The overall goal of this project is to increase the number of NAN people, particularly youth, who enter into and succeed in health career studies which will assist in addressing the health human resource deficit. Engaging youth early creates a new pipeline of potential workers and allows students to begin to attain the foundational education required to pursue a health career. It is important that we begin to educate students now about the career opportunities that will exist when they enter the workforce.
Developing health careers promotion strategies, tools and resources specific to NAN is crucial. Using culturally and regionally appropriate methodologies and materials NAN will be able to increase awareness of career opportunities in the health professions and the health industry as a whole. The NAN AHHRI Policy Analyst will build an inventory of health careers promotion tools and resources including the production of new resources such as a NAN health promotion website, a NAN AHHRI newsletter, and a health careers promotion video highlighting NAN health care providers and health sciences students.
Emphasis must be placed upon science, math and technology when exposing youth to health career opportunities and curriculum. Regardless of the specific health profession, the development and application of technology is vital. Therefore, the NAN AHHRI Policy Analyst will also outsource the development of an interactive simulated learning environment software kit to be used by NAN communities. A cost effective alternative to the mainstream approach of workshops & information sessions led by guest facilitators, this type of software will provide greater access to information about health care professions that may not be readily available in the NAN communities.
Encouraging and supporting NAN First Nations participation in the promotion of health careers is a critical project objective. To this end, a Community Based Projects Program will also be implemented via a Request for Proposals process.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Objectives
The NAN AHHRI Policy Analyst will work with affiliated First Nations, the province and federal departments to:
- Build upon or improve NAN specific health careers promotion activities;
- Develop and collect new and existing resources and tools for dissemination to NAN youth, community members and educators;
- Facilitate NAN First Nations participation in the promotion of health careers through a Community Based Projects Program;
- Evaluate the implementation of the NAN specific IIHCP.
The intended outcome is:
- To increase the number of First Nations who are aware of health careers as viable career options, focusing particularly on youth awareness;
- To increase the number of First Nations students entering into and succeeding in health career studies.
