Vanderhoof veterinarian Dr. Cori Stephen, is set to be featured in the upcoming docuseries Wild Rose Vets, premiering next month on APTN.

This new series, a spin-off of the popular Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet, will focus on the professional and personal lives of three Indigenous female veterinarians across Western Canada.

Along with Stephen, the show features Dr. Emma Jackson from Calgary, and Dr. Allison Hay from Saskatoon. 

The M茅tis owner-operator of Nechako Valley Animal Health Services, Stephen, runs the only mixed animal clinic in Vanderhoof within a 100-kilometre radius.

鈥淢y love for animals and their people is what led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine,鈥� Stephen said.

As a veterinarian working in a small town, every day is different 鈥� from the animals that come through our door to the logistical and medical challenges presented day in and day out, Stephen said.

"But, I wouldn鈥檛 have it any other way. This career takes dedication, patience, knowledge and a shared commitment to providing excellence in animal health care. It鈥檚 very rewarding to be able to contribute to my community in such a meaningful way."

Stephen is a member of the College of BC Veterinarians, the Society for BC Veterinarians, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, the Association of Veterinary Acupuncturists of Canada and Horse Council of BC. In addition to her veterinary work, Dr. Stephen is also an avid equestrian competitor.

The Vanderhoofian attended Nechako Valley Senior Secondary and later graduated from UCC in Kamloops in 1993 as a Veterinary Technician before starting her DVM education at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2001. She completed additional training as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and has been offering alternative therapy modalities to her patients since 2012.

Wild Rose Vets will chronicle the unique journeys of these three veterinarians as real-life Indigenous women navigating the triumphs and challenges of working with animals in need, while also exploring their rich Indigenous heritage and cultural ties. 

"We feel honoured to bring our new series, Wild Rose Vets, to life and for the opportunity to tell new and uplifting stories of Indigenous excellence through Drs. Allison, Cori, and Emma,鈥� Shirley McLean, series producer and co-founder of Wapanatahk Media said.

With new vets in three locations, viewers will get the chance to watch these dedicated vets connect with their First Nations and M茅tis communities through heartwarming animal stories, while also being inspired by the amazing things Indigenous women are accomplishing every day, McLean added.

Season One of Wild Rose Vets will air over 13 episodes. The series will be broadcast on APTN in English from Sept. 2 to Nov. 25, at 8:00 p.m. eastern time.

It will also be available on APTN Lumi in English, starting Sept. 3. For Cree-speaking audiences, the show will air on APTN Languages from Sept. 4 to Nov. 27, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Additionally, Wild Rose Vets will be broadcast on APTN Lumi in Cree, beginning Sept. 5.