New lessons, meaningful connections

August 21, 2025

Emily Czerwinski, AVC 2026, travelled to Hopedale and Sheshatshiu as one of the student participants on the Chinook Project. As part of the experience, the students craft various pieces of writing.

sled dog team site in Hopedale

June, 2025: Over the last two weeks, I have had the incredible privilege of traveling to the northern communities of Hopedale and Sheshatshiu as part of the Chinook Project to provide veterinary care to the rural communities. Reflecting on this experience, I find myself at a loss to pinpoint a single highlight as all of the small moments made this trip so impactful. The love and respect for animals was beyond evident in both Hopedale and Sheshatshiu.

From the moment we arrived in Hopedale, we were welcomed with open arms. On our very first day, we hit the ground running, treating three sled dog teams. It was a whirlwind of vaccinating and deworming bouncy, energetic Huskies. That energy and enthusiasm set the tone for the rest of the trip. Throughout the week, I met so many of the pets in the community, ranging from week old puppies to some dogs that had been spayed by the Chinook project the last time it was in Hopedale in 2012. We even had the opportunity to treat pets that had been flown into the area to recieve veterinary care.

Chihuahua puppies in Sheshatshui

Just as we found our rhythm working with the larger dogs in Hopedale, we transitioned to Sheshatshiu, where the patients shifted to much smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus. It was in Sheshatshiu where I had the opportunity to perform my first cat neuter, a small but memorable moment after spaying and neutering dogs in Hopedale the week prior.

The Chinook trip was so much more than veterinary work. The people of Hopedale and Sheshatshiu were at the heart of this experience. Their warmth, generosity, and artistry made a lasting impression. I found myself wanting to bring home every piece of clothing and artwork that we were shown. I still have hopes of collecting recipes from our two weeks and making a cook book as the food was absolutely delicious.

This was my first time visiting northern communities, and I can say with confidence that it won’t be my last. Every day brought new lessons, meaningful connections, and profound respect for the people living in these areas. I feel incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity as a veterinary student, and I look forward to returning to the Chinook project as a veterinarian.

Thank you again to the communities of Hopedale and Sheshatshiu. This experience has left a permanent mark on my heart and will shape the way I practice for years to come.