An Experience with Port Hope Simpson Community Members

August 21, 2026

Abigail Newcombe, AVC 2027, travelled to Port Hope Simpson as one of the student participants on the Chinook Project. As part of the experience, the students craft various pieces of writing.

During our Chinook trip to Port Hope Simpson, I learned so much and came away with a level of confidence as a soon to be veterinarian that I never expected. Before this experience I had worked as an RVT for the past six years, so I already felt pretty confident in my skills. However, my time in Port Hope Simpson changed my perception more than I ever imagined. 

A typical surgery day at a 'regular' (urban) veterinary clinic usually consists of a brief intake appointment with the owner to gather information about their animal, explain the consent forms and go over the plan for the day. Once this was completed, the owners gave goodbye kisses to their animal, and I would whisk the animal out back to the treatment room for the day until they were reunited at the discharge appointment.

In contrast, during the Chinook Project, we welcomed the community members to be as involved as much as they were comfortable. This ranged from holding and comforting their animal during the intake exam and injection of sedation medication into the animal’s muscle, to watching us perform the surgery, and sitting with their pet while they slowly woke up and attempted to their first few steps after their drug-induced nap. It was incredible to see how interested the community members were throughout every part of the process and how willing they were to help wherever they could.  

What amazed me the most wasn’t just the trust they placed in us and what we were doing, but also how many community members chose to stand beside us watching the surgery, asking questions, making conversation or simply observing. One thing that really warmed my heart was to see those who initially chose to stay waiting area gradually become more curious. At first, it was only a couple steps in the direction of their pet, but within a matter of time they would be at, if not very close to, the surgery table. Even if they didn’t have any questions, I felt like explaining what I was doing gave them a sense of comfort and reassurance. These interactions with community members gave me an unexpected opportunity to share the parts of veterinary medicine that make me love what I do. Whether they fully understood every detail or not, I felt there was a mutual trust and sense of partnership that developed between us. It was a connection I don’t think I would have experienced without the Chinook Project. 

I can't say it was one specific interaction with a community member that enhanced my confidence and changed my perspective, but rather - all of them together. These interactions allowed me to see a different side of veterinary medicine and how interested people outside of the profession can be when they’re given the opportunity to be involved. Allowing community members to participate in their animal’s care can build a connection and level of trust that is far greater than I had ever imagined.