The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. Presented by the governor general, it recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
In 1992, Sheila Early co-founded B.C.’s first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program – now called the Forensic Nursing Service – at Surrey Memorial Hospital. In 1994, she became the first registered nurse to perform a sexual assault exam in B.C. What followed were a series of “firsts” for Sheila, including creating Canada’s first classroom-delivered forensic health sciences certificate program at BCIT and co-founding the Canadian Forensic Nurses Association—the voice of forensic nurses in Canada.
“Sheila didn’t just build a program, she built a profession,” says Nurse Practitioner Hannah Varto. “She shaped generations of nurses. I’m one of them. Sheila saw potential in a new and eager nurse and helped me grow into a new role, a nurse practitioner and researcher specializing in forensic health care. Her Order of Canada is a reflection of the impact she has had on those who work with survivors of violence and a testament to the thousands of survivors whose care has been transformed by her vision.”
Not only did Sheila inspire generations of nurses, but she also made it her mission to train law enforcement and the legal profession on how to respond to trauma and violence with empathy and professionalism.
“Sheila’s work as a sexual assault nurse examiner and forensic nurse has had an extraordinary impact on the lives of countless victims of sexual violence,” says former Crown Prosecutor, Winston Sayson. "The thousands of individuals who received comfort, dignity and expert care as a direct result of her work bears testament to the difference she has made.”
“It’s a true honour to receive this award,” says Sheila. Not one to shy away from the “next thing,” the retired registered nurse sees her Order of Canada as recognition for what has been accomplished and what is still possible.
“I see this recognition of forensic nursing as an opportunity for forensic nursing to break the still existing barriers in mainstream health care, post-secondary education and the legal/justice systems. After 30+ years the systems are hesitant to see the full potential of forensic nurses in all the subspecialties that are included in the scope and practice of forensic nursing.”
