The Nursing Directorate

Aboriginal Nursing Strategies

• Introduction
• Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2007/08
• Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2006/07
• Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2005/06
• Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2004/05
• Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2003/04
• Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2002/03

Introduction

Between 2002/03 and 2007/08, over $1,500,000 has been allocated for aboriginal nursing initiatives in BC. The Aboriginal Nursing Strategies are intended to increase the number of nurses of aboriginal ancestry working in BC and to increase the number of aboriginal communities in BC with quality nursing care.
Strategies to achieve this goal are focused on:

1. Encouraging aboriginal students to consider nursing as a career and enhancing the progression of aboriginal students through BC nursing programs;
2. Increasing recruitment and retention of aboriginal nurses in BC;
3. Increasing recruitment and retention of nurses in aboriginal communities in BC; and,
4. Developing materials for health promotion and disease and injury prevention in aboriginal communities.

In 2003/04, aboriginal nursing groups (the Native and Inuit Nurses Association of BC, Nurses Working with First Nations, the Registered Nurses Association of BC Aboriginal Professional Practice Group, and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch) and representatives from the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services, the Ministry of Advanced Education, and the Ministry of Health Services, were brought together to develop a request for proposals (RFP) process to assist in the selection of projects to be recommended for funding through the Aboriginal Nursing Strategies. That year four projects were selected by an inter-ministry committee and funded.

This RFP process proved successful in encouraging a variety of projects and was also used in 2004/05 and 2005/06. In addition, the RFP application distribution process was expanded in 2005/06 to include more community organizations.

The aboriginal nursing groups, ministries and educators involved with aboriginal nursing projects were brought together again in December 2005 to review the RFP process and develop a strategic plan for supporting aboriginal nursing projects over the next two years. It was decided at that meeting to continue to select projects using the RFP process already in place.

In April 2006, several projects funded by the Nursing Directorate were showcased at a provincial aboriginal health provider education summit held in Prince George.

Fifteen projects were funded as a result of the 2007/08 RFP and ten projects were funded as a result of the 2006/07 RFP.

Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2007/08

BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre (Connections in Care: Building Capacity for Nurses in Aboriginal Communities)
In order to contribute to the retention of nurses in aboriginal communities, this project will engage these nurses in identifying and mobilizing community strengths, create and deliver a two-day workshop to help nurses develop strategies for managing and preventing staff burn out, and gather information on nurse retention to inform the First Nations Leadership Council, and complement the Tripartite Agreement. These activities will contribute to a shared understanding of working with aboriginal communities and strengthen relationships to support heath care for aboriginal people.

Chehalis Health and Family Services (Culturally Supported Chronic Disease Management)
The goal of this project is to develop chronic disease management journals that are culturally sensitive and assist the client in actively participating in his or her care. The journals will track the successes/achievements of individuals and give support to healthy lifestyle choices. The journal development process will provide potential and current student nurses the opportunity to experience First Nation nursing and positively impact the lives of community members.

H'ulh-etun Health Society (H'ulh-etun Health Society Mentorship Program for Nursing Students)
The overall goal of this project is to increase the recruitment and support of aboriginal students from Chemainus, Penelakut, Malahat, Lyackson and Halalt First Nations in nursing. Academic skills training and upgrading, job shadowing, and a community health fair to increase awareness of health careers are among the activities planned.

Kwakiutl District Council (Learning Circles for Aboriginal Nursing)
The Learning Circles for Aboriginal Nursing (LCAN) project will endeavour to expand the network between nursing education and First Nations health organizations in BC, increase utilization of cultural safety competencies for nurses working in education and aboriginal practice settings on Vancouver Island, increase aboriginal student enrolment in nursing programs and increase the retention rate of aboriginal students enrolled in Vancouver Island nursing programs. This work will include completion of an operational web page, dissemination of research and integrated learning from LCAN initiatives at/in relevant conferences and publications, and organization of the 4th Island Wide Aboriginal Student Event.

Okanagan College (Okanagan-Shuswap Aboriginal Academic Readiness and Barriers to Nursing Programs)
The objectives of this project are to expand awareness of the need for and rewards of being an aboriginal nurse in Okanagan-Shuswap, assess potential participant needs and obstacles to participation in nursing programs, and create a task force to utilize the research to determine if there is a need to develop a culturally appropriate nursing preparation program that will equip graduates to enter and succeed in existing registered nurse and licensed practical nurse programs.

R.W. Large Memorial Hospital (Skill Training Upgrade Project for Hospital and Community Care Workers in Bella Bella)
The goal of this project is to develop and maintain core competency-based skills for nursing staff teams in the local hospital and community care settings. Geropsychiatric and emergency response education are among the areas to be addressed.

Saanich First Nations Adult Care Society (Supporting an Aboriginal Student Nurse in a Home Care Position in an Aboriginal Community)
This project will provide mentorship, support and confidence building for an aboriginal student nurse in a culturally safe environment. Following orientation to four communities, the student nurse will assist a registered nurse with home nursing care in one community, as well as help establish an arthritis exercise class in a second community.

Secwepemc Cultural Education Society (Transitions to Nursing: A Preparatory Training Program for Aboriginals)
To increase the number of aboriginal nurses, Transitions to Nursing will introduce potential nurses within the Secwepemc communities to a continuum of nursing education, beginning with a pre-training program to help students prepare for further education. The teaching method will use 80% interaction/20% lecture and include job shadowing and site visits. Personal, professional and academic development will be combined in a balanced and needs-specific format that will be culturally appropriate and sensitive to the needs of aboriginal adults.

Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre (A Sustainable Coaching Program - Enrolling, Supporting and Retaining Snuneymuxw Students - with a Focus on Nursing Students)
This year, the Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) Health Centre will build on past coaching programs in the community by: developing a routine process for students leaving high school to enter into career coaching; recruiting youth interested in a career in nursing; re-establishing support for students currently pursuing a career in nursing; offering continuing support through creation of an on-going, sustained coaching program available to assist current and future students; and, strengthening links between SFN departments involved in student success and also between SFN and Malaspina University College.

Tla'Amin Community Health Board Society (Tut Te Me Whah Thote (Making Myself Better)
This project will deliver knowledge and tools to current staff working in the Traditional Wellness Place Program of Tla’Amin Community Health Services so that they can work toward positive outcomes through community based planning. The increased knowledge and skills will allow the staff to work in a more effective manner in recognizing mental health issues. In turn, this will be used to promote, educate and support access for families dealing with mental health issues.

Tseycum First Nation (Building Bridges)
H'ulh-etun Health Society (H'ulh-etun Health Society Mentorship Program for Nursing Students)
The overall goal of this project is to increase the recruitment and support of aboriginal students from Chemainus, Penelakut, Malahat, Lyackson and Halalt First Nations in nursing. Academic skills training and upgrading, job shadowing, and a community health fair to increase awareness of health careers are among the activities planned.

University of British Columbia Okanagan (Promoting Partnerships for Aboriginal Nursing Recruitment and Retention in Rural British Columbia)
The goal of this project is to establish a partnership with health and education agencies to develop tools, curricula and support services to: increase enrolment of aboriginal undergraduate and graduate nursing students at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO); expand support for current UBCO undergraduate and graduate aboriginal nursing students; and, enhance professional development for aboriginal nurses and nurses working in aboriginal communities in the region. A new nursing/interdisciplinary aboriginal health issues course will be developed, a UBCO School of Nursing Aboriginal Liaison position will be established, and a resource guide for the community, health care agencies, educational institutions and partner organizations will be developed from a literature review.

Vancouver Coastal Health (Mentoring Current and Prospective Aboriginal Nursing Students)
The overall goal of this project is to support current and prospective aboriginal nursing students through mentoring with the ultimate aim of increasing capacity in aboriginal nursing, thereby enhancing health care deliver to the large aboriginal population served by Vancouver Coastal Health. The project will take place within the Lower Mainland and, based on learning experiences from this pilot, the mentoring network may extend to reach mentees within all communities served by Vancouver Coastal Health in the future.

Vancouver Coastal Health (Practice Exchange Between Nurses Working in Urban & Remote Aboriginal Communities Vancouver) Practice Exchange Between Nurses Working in Urban & Remote Aboriginal Communities Vancouver
Practice Exchange Between Nurses Working in Urban & Remote Aboriginal Communities Vancouver The goals of this project are to provide aboriginal nurses in remote communities with opportunities to refresh their acute clinical skills through internships in urban hospitals and to provide nurses working in urban hospitals with greater understanding of the context of health care for patients in remote aboriginal communities. These activities will contribute to more culturally appropriate care in urban communities and greater interest in nursing careers in rural areas.

Wilp Wilxo'oskwhl Nisga'a – Nisga’a University/College (Nisga'a Access Practical Nursing)
This project will assist aboriginal home support resident care workers in the Nass Valley in obtaining the pre-requisite courses for admission to a licensed practical nursing program. In addition, cultural knowledge of health and healing specific to Nisga’a will be developed for inclusion in the practical nursing curriculum.

Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2006/07

Camosun College (Paths to Success - Reducing Attrition for First Nations Nursing Students)Aboriginal students planning to enter nursing programs were assessed for academic skills and free courses/workshops were offered in math, biology, English grammar and composition, time management, exam writing strategies, etc. as needed. In addition, Monthly Learning Circles were held for the students and a First Nations cultural safety workshop was conducted for faculty.

Carrier Sekani Family Services ("Buddy" Program - Orientation to First Nations Nursing)
To better attract and retain nurses, a cultural orientation module was developed to provide specific information regarding aboriginal health issues as well as historical background to provide perspective. In addition, the opportunity for newly hired nurses to be paired with Elder-mentors in the community was explored.

College of New Caledonia (Aboriginal Nursing Career Fairs)
This project encouraged young aboriginal students to realize the importance of math and science at the elementary and secondary levels and built awareness of the nursing profession. Objectives included the development of a one-hour workshop (targeting Grade 7 students) and "Explore Nursing Days" activities. The workshops were delivered in four rural/reserve community schools and one urban school. Interested youths participated in the College of New Caledonia "Explore Nursing Days", including an interactive tour of the nursing labs.

Inter Tribal Health Authority (Promoting Cultural Competence Utilizing Peer Review Process)
In order to provide quality practice environments that promote culturally competent nursing leadership and thereby improve recruitment and retention, various opportunities were offered as part of this project. For example, educational activities (regional forums and an island-wide event for nurses and nursing students in a culturally safe environment) were held to utilize the peer review process required by the College of Registered Nurses of BC as it relates to providing culturally competent nursing practice in aboriginal communities and opportunities to assess values, judgments and attitudes to build cultural competency as it relates to nursing practice in Aboriginal communities.

Lytton First Nation (Recruiting and Retaining Nursing Services for the Nlaka'pamux Communities)
The objectives of this project were to establish a hiring and retention committee, undertake a search for a qualified nurse, develop and implement cross-cultural educational activities in each of the four participating communities, and monitor and evaluate the impact of cross-cultural activities upon community members and the nurse.

Northwest Community College (Creating a Process and Building the Foundation for Supporting the Transition of Aboriginal Students into Nursing Programs)
This project designed a Program Guide Map for aboriginal students who require specific educational requirements to enter nursing programs, developed learning outcomes/courses within this context, and implemented the program within a culturally supportive environment.

Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre (Snuneymuxw Coaching Program for Future Nurses)
This program supported (via counseling, work plan development, tutoring, learning circles, etc.) aboriginal community members who wished to enter Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Practical Nurse programs, and also those funded in a similar project in 2005/06 who were attending their first year of the BSN program at Malaspina University-College. For information on a similar project, see Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre 2005/06.

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) School of Nursing (TRU/Simon Fraser University-Kamloops (SFU-Kamloops) 2006-2007 Aboriginal Nursing Project)
This project expanded on previous TRU projects and included practical supports/mentoring for aboriginal students entering first year nursing programs at Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses, as well as extending practical supports to SFU-Kamloops Pre-Health students. It also involved building (via student nurse research project) and disseminating knowledge about effective support/mentoring strategies for aboriginal nursing students and best practices in coordination of such supports. (The new knowledge will be used in future work with Interior Health Authority to develop a mentoring program for new aboriginal graduates.) For information on similar projects, see University College of the Cariboo 2003/04, Thompson Rivers University 2004/05 and Thompson Rivers University 2005/06.

Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation (Ts'kw'aylaxw Community Nursing Initiative)
The objectives of the Ts'Kw'aylaxw First Nation's project were to provide academic skills training and upgrading for Long Term Care Aides preparing to enter a Practical Nurse Access Program, increase awareness of health careers by holding Community Health Career days, and develop a community health resource booklet.

Vancouver Island Health Authority (Building Nursing Knowledge and Skills in End of Life Care)
The goal of this project was to promote retention of nurses by building knowledge and skills that enable nurses to deliver optimal end of life care to patients and families in Saanich aboriginal communities. As part of the project, a nurse attended two palliative care courses to better support the community. A resource manual is being developed.

Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2005/06

Malaspina University-College, BSN Program, in partnership with Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, Inter Tribal Health Authority (Nanaimo) and First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada (Nat and Nellie-The Traveling Nurses' Show)
In its third year, Nat and Nellie - The Traveling Nurses' Show visited more than 18 communities, mainly in the Northern Health Authority and the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and gave over 40 presentations. Nursing students facilitated group discussions and storytelling to help school aged children learn what nurses do, where they work, the entrance requirements to become a nurse and the benefits of a nursing career. Another important aspect of the program was that it introduced soon-to-graduate nursing students to life in remote BC communities and the health care needs of aboriginal people. For information on similar projects, see Malaspina University-College 2003/04 and Malaspina University-College 2004/05.

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, in partnership with North Island College, Tsawaayuus, School District 70 and School District 84 (Strength Through Education)
The goal of this program was to encourage more aboriginal people to become nurses by providing information about the health professions, the process of getting into nursing and development of a plan for entering the field. Workshops were given for 50 participants in three isolated areas and three urban areas. The workshops included a resource manual entitled, Step into Education, A Guide for Prospective Students entering the Health Care Industry, which was created for the project. In order to increase the number of students taking courses that lead to nursing and medical education, 20 students received one-to-one support in the development of individualized work plans. Learning circles to support aboriginal nurses were also established.

Seabird Island Band (Promoting Aboriginal Nursing in Communities)
This project was a continuation of a successful 2003/04 project. A variety of activities were implemented to encourage First Nations people to consider nursing as a career choice, allow nursing students to experience what it is like to work on a reserve, mentor nurses into the community, and enhance retention of current nurses. For example, two community members attended a Home Support course (recruitment) and five nurses attended a Wound Care certification course (retention/career development). As a result of students being on-site for practicums, one 3rd year nursing student applied for a summer job in the community. For information on a similar project, see Seabird Island Band 2003/04.

Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre, in partnership with Malaspina University-College, First Nation Counseling Services and Tillicum Haus Friendship Centre, ABE Program (Snuneymuxw Mentoring Program for Future Nurses)
To increase the number of aboriginal people enrolling in nursing programs, counseling and mentoring services were provided to aboriginal students taking nursing program prerequisites. A coordinator/coach met individually with each student to create a work plan based on education requirements and personal needs. Group meetings focused on balancing all aspects of the students' lives. Students also had access to tutors throughout the program. By the end of the program, three of the students had submitted applications for acceptance into a 2006/07 BSN program and a fourth planned to enter a BSN program in 2007/08. For information on a similar project, see Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre 2006/07.

Sto:lo Nation Human Resources Development (SNHRD), in partnership with the University College of the Fraser Valley, SNHRD Employment Services and School District 33 (Aboriginal Nursing Recruitment Strategy)
Aboriginal students in grades 7-12 were introduced to the nursing profession through a one-hour workshop that included a video presentation, a question and answer session, and take-away marketing materials. The video, entitled Nursing, Caring for the Future, was developed in conjunction with staff from the local school district and other stakeholders and its production involved local aboriginal actors, writers and crew. In addition to delivering the workshop to 340 students (nine school classes), the video was presented at an aboriginal career fair that was attended by 350 First Nations Grade 9 students. Of the students surveyed after the workshops, 97% indicated that they found the presentation interesting and 50% said they were more likely to pursue nursing as a career option.

Thompson Rivers University (Developing Best Practices for Enhancing the Success of Aboriginal Nursing Students in Nursing Programs at Thompson Rivers University)
This project involved several components: coaching, tutoring and other student supports; strengthening the connection between TRU and the Aboriginal Pre-Health Program on the Kamloops Indian Band (SFU-Kamloops); piloting an oral alternative to the current evaluation method for nursing students; expanding the scope of the Cultural Safety Workshop; travel to Prince George for the Aboriginal Health Provider Education Summit; and, research on the process of faculty development in order to help develop best practices in providing culturally safe nursing education. For information on similar projects, see University College of the Cariboo 2003/04, Thompson Rivers University 2004/05 and Thompson Rivers University 2006/07.

Tla'Amin Community Health Board Society (An Orientation Model for First Nation Community Nursing: Facilitating Early Cultural Competence to Improve Retention)
This program focused on the need for a comprehensive nursing resource management strategy to improve nurse recruitment and retention in Sliammon. A community-specific orientation to traditional Sliammon culture and values was developed for new nurses so that they could attain cultural competence early in their employ, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful recruitment and improved retention. The orientation included talking circles with the traditional healer and elders about the medicine wheel, traditional healing practices, etc. Nurse retention issues were addressed by establishing a Professional Nursing Advisory Committee to improve the work life of nurses at Tla’Amin Community Health Services. The Committee held daily informal meetings to discuss topics such as workload management, problem solving, relationship building and best practices in nursing care.

University of British Columbia (UBC) Institute for Aboriginal Health, in partnership with UBC School of Nursing, UBC College of Health Disciplines and the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, Ottawa and BC (Aboriginal Community Based Nursing Preceptorship Curriculum Development)
This project addressed not only the need to increase the number of aboriginal nurses but also the need for all nursing programs to include curriculum and practice that directly prepares nurses for work with aboriginal communities and aboriginal community members. Resources developed and piloted included an Aboriginal Preceptorship Program Manual, curriculum for a proposed Aboriginal Health Nursing Avenues Course, and materials for a two-day Aboriginal Health Nursing Preceptorship Workshop held at the UBC First Nations Longhouse in November 2005.

UBC Institute for Aboriginal Health, in partnership with UBC School of Nursing, the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, Ottawa and BC, UBC First Nations House of Learning and UBC College of Health Disciplines (Aboriginal Community Based Nursing Preceptorship Program)
An aboriginal community based Preceptorship Program was developed as part of a plan to increase the number of nurses recruited and retained in aboriginal communities. Both aboriginal and non-aboriginal UBC nursing students were given the opportunity to take part in an aboriginal community based preceptorship program. In addition to bringing more student nurses into aboriginal communities to enhance recruitment and retention in those areas, the project also provided nurses working in the partner aboriginal communities with the opportunity for professional development/networking at the Preceptorship Workshop training.

Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2004/05

Kwantlen University College, in partnership with Surrey School District (Comprehensive Evaluation of Kwantlen Capacity Development Camp (KCDC) for Aboriginal Youth)
This evaluation project involved a review of KCDC, from its first year of operation, 2002, through to 2004. Recommendations arising from the evaluation included continuation of the camp and a longitudinal study to determine the effect of the camp’s influence on the career choices of the young campers. For information on similar projects, see Kwantlen University College School of Nursing 2002/03 and Kwantlen University College School of Nursing 2003/04.

Malaspina University-College, BSN Program, in partnership with Nuu-chah-nulth Nations and Inter Tribal Health Authority (Nat and Nellie – The Traveling Nurses’ Show)
In December 2004, the Nat and Nellie – The Traveling Nurses’ Show project was re-launched to build on work previously funded by the Nursing Directorate. Fifteen nursing students traveled to remote and rural communities on Northern Vancouver Island and facilitated nearly 50 learning sessions with school-aged children (Kindergarten to Grade 3) with the objective of enhancing the image of nursing as a career choice. This initiative was invited to present at an international nursing conference in Hawaii in July 2005. For information on similar projects, see Malaspina University-College 2003/04 and Malaspina University-College 2005/06.

Registered Nurses Association of BC (RNABC), in partnership with First Nations Nursing Professional Practice Group, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Transfer Unit, and Aboriginal Health Improvement Committee, Interior Health Authority (Tools to Assist Band Employers to Enhance the Professional Practice Environment of Nurses)
In this project, an advisory committee was formed to develop three culturally relevant tools for use in transferred aboriginal health care settings in the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap Health Service Delivery Area: quality practice environment guidelines specific to transferred aboriginal health care settings; a role description template for community health nurses in these settings; and, a performance appraisal template for community health nurses. The tools are available for use provincially through the College of Registered Nurses of BC (formerly the RNABC).

Thompson Rivers University (formerly the University College of the Cariboo), in partnership with Secwepemc Cultural Education Society/Simon Fraser University and the First Nations Chiefs’ Health Committee
Building on phase one, this funding supported career fairs, visits to aboriginal schools and communities, and an article in the Spirit of Aboriginal Youth. Tutorial and peer group support continued to enhance the success of aboriginal students currently in nursing programs, and to advocate for strategies at the institutional level. The barriers to student success were also investigated. For information on similar projects, see University College of the Cariboo 2003/04, Thompson Rivers University 2005/06 and Thompson Rivers University 2006/07.

University of Victoria at Selkirk College, Nursing Program, in partnership with Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Tribal Council (KKTC) and Interior Health Authority (IHA)(Accessing Aboriginal Community Placements for Non-Aboriginal Nursing Students)
The University of Victoria Nursing Program at Selkirk College, in collaboration with KKTC and IHA, developed, implemented and evaluated a six-week aboriginal nursing practicum experience. Two 4th year nursing students were preceptored by the Community Health Nurse in the KKTC area and experienced all aspects of aboriginal community health nursing. The students established positive, mutually respectful and supportive relationships with individuals in the community and expressed interest in working with native populations in the future.

Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2003/04

Kwantlen University College School of Nursing
To build on the success of the 2002/03 project, KCDC received funding toward adaptation of their curriculum to specific age teams; development of a leadership curriculum; and, revision and production of KCDC curriculum and materials in a format available to other communities in BC. For information on similar projects, see Kwantlen University College School of Nursing 2002/03 and Kwantlen University College 2004/05.

Malaspina University-College
This unique project, developed by two nursing instructors, sought to encourage aboriginal children to consider nursing as a career by highlighting the image of nurses and the work they do. Thirteen 4th-year nursing students traveled to remote and rural BC communities and facilitated learning sessions in seventeen schools/programs with school-aged children (Kindergarten to Grade 3). The learning sessions included storytelling, group discussion and play using two aboriginal nursing dolls (Nat and Nellie) and items from a nurse’s kit. A set of Nat and Nellie dolls, a ‘play’ kit (containing a stethoscope, etc.), and a copy of “A Story of Nat and Nellie” were left at each participating school. This project not only helped children learn about the nursing profession, it also gave the Malaspina University-College students the opportunity to meet community members and learn what it would be like to live and work in a remote First Nation community in BC. For information on similar projects, see Malaspina University-College 2004/05 and Malaspina University-College 2005/06.

Seabird Island Band
This project provided opportunities for aboriginal and non-aboriginal nurses on site to get further education, mentor nursing students, and act as role models to aboriginal youth. Aboriginal nurses working with Seabird Island Band also spoke to nursing students about the benefits of working in a First Nations environment. For information on a similar project, see Seabird Island Band 2005/06.

University College of the Cariboo (now Thompson Rivers University), in partnership with Secwepemc Cultural Education Society/Simon Fraser University and the First Nations Chiefs' Health Committee
Peer and tutorial support to aboriginal nursing students throughout their academic studies and workshops to introduce faculty to the Secwepemc culture and local aboriginal history were used to meet the project goals of recruitment and support of aboriginal nursing students. For information on similar projects, see Thompson Rivers University 2004/05, Thompson Rivers University 2005/06 and Thompson Rivers University 2006/07.

Aboriginal Nursing Projects Funded in 2002/03
The First Nations Nursing Council, in collaboration with the Native and Inuit Nurses Association of BC
A database to register aboriginal nursing professionals and para-professionals working in BC was developed, as well as a plan to recognize and award aboriginal nurses working in aboriginal communities.

Kwantlen University College School of Nursing
The KCDC was developed as a program aimed at aboriginal children in grades 6 to 8. It focused on recruiting and improving the access of aboriginal people to health programs offered in British Columbia’s post-secondary institutions. Toward this end, the camp introduced aboriginal children and youth to the “fun” side of higher education and health-related careers. Involvement of the aboriginal community was crucial to the success of the Camp. For information on similar projects, see Kwantlen University College School of Nursing 2003/04 and Kwantlen University College 2004/05.

The Nurses Working with First Nations Group (formerly Council of Nurses working with First Nation communities) in collaboration with the Native and Inuit Nurses Association of BC, the First Nation Chiefs Health Council and other provincial aboriginal groups
The collaborative unit developed and provided mentorship workshops, orientation programs and one to one mentors for five new non-aboriginal nurse graduates working in five non-transferred BC First Nation communities.

Vancouver Community College, Nuu-chah-nulth Centre of Excellence for Nursing Education, First Nations Chiefs’ Health Committee, and other BC aboriginal nursing groups
A curriculum, “Access to Practical Nursing Program”, was developed for aboriginal residential care aides. The curriculum is available to all communities in BC. Also, a survey tool was developed for aboriginal communities and stakeholder groups to determine the need for a prior learning assessment process to upgrade a variety of aboriginal health care providers who may wish to enter the Access to Practical Nursing program.