My CBU Story: Noah Matthews-Cremo

Membertou’s Noah Matthews-Cremo, one of Cape Breton University’s most recent graduates, always knew he would pursue a path focused on giving back to his community. “I was raised to respect and take care of our elders. They hold the knowledge of our ancestors and have taken care of our people,” says Noah. “When thinking of a career where I could help my elders, nursing immediately popped out at me.”

After deciding to pursue a career in healthcare, Noah was left with the decision of where to complete his studies, and with the help of his family and friends, he chose CBU. “My mother and other alumni told me about Unama’ki college, a place where L’nu could be L’nu in an academic setting,” he says. “CBU being in the L’nu district of Unama’ki gave me an opportunity to pursue my degree while having a place where I could speak my language and practice my culture.”

During his time in the Bachelor of Science, Nursing program, Noah loved the hands-on learning approach during his labs and clinicals but says Powerpoint presentations and relating personally to certain content didn’t come naturally to him. Thankfully, by implementing the L’nu philosophy of Two-Eyed Seeing and incorporating his language and customs into his presentations, he was able to overcome these challenges. Noah says this is something that sets CBU apart from other universities. 

Noah says he can remember the exact moment he knew nursing was his calling. During one of his clinical placements, he was caring for an elder and when their time was coming to an end, he was able to pray and sing for them in the L’nu language which helped ease the process for the patient and their loved ones.

“Being an L’nu nurse taking care of L’nu patients is the best feeling ever. The sigh of relief I witness from the patient when I introduce myself in our shared language lets me know I am in the right place,” Noah says. “Watching L’nu patients lower their guard knowing that in a building full of strangers and weird noises, someone like them is here to support them with understanding and respect gives me all the fulfillment I need.”

Now working at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Noah has become the first male nurse from Membertou who was born, raised and still lives in the community. He says it is a full circle moment as his great aunt Pelonik (Veronica) Matthews was the first nurse from Membertou.  Growing up and watching nurses from Membertou take care of their community members and work to address racial injustices in the healthcare system inspired Noah to follow in their footsteps. Now, he is looking forward to becoming part of continued solutions and giving back to the community that raised him. 

Noah says he is grateful to his family, community and the staff at Unama’ki College for their support throughout his education. To those considering coming to CBU, he encourages them to apply. “If you’re looking for a supportive group of educators who are passionate about your success, you’re in the right place,” he says. “CBU gave me the skills and knowledge to work as a safe and competent nurse by ensuring these skills were embedded in my practice before entering the workforce.” 

Congratulations to Noah and the entire Fall graduating class of 2024!