CHCA grads ready for the workplace

Twenty-eight newly trained health care aides are embarking on their careers after a pair of graduation ceremonies through Assiniboine Community College.

(Photo: Valedictorian Judy Murdoch speaks at the Fisher River regional graduation ceremonies on Peguis First Nation, Friday, April 10, 2015. More photos below.)

Twenty-eight newly trained health care aides are embarking on their careers after a pair of graduation ceremonies through Assiniboine Community College. Fourteen students will graduate tomorrow from a Comprehensive Health Care Aide program run by ACC in Ebb and Flow First Nation. Another 14 students graduated last week from the same program run by ACC in Peguis First Nation.

Students at Ebb and Flow also came from Sagkeeng First Nation and Pinaymootang First Nation, while the Peguis grads included students from throughout the Fisher River region, including the Peguis First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation and Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation.

All of them have completed a six-month certificate program that has prepared them for careers in health care, and for making a lasting difference in people’s lives.

“We are not just classmates, we have become family,” said Peguis valedictorian Judy Murdoch during the graduation ceremony.

The community-based training makes it easier for students to concentrate on their studies, and to overcome barriers like being required to travel sometimes long distances and to be away from family during their education.

In Peguis, the program was partially funded by Service Canada. In Ebb and Flow, the program was partially funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada through the Post-Secondary Partnerships Program.

The college is also planning a Comprehensive Health Care Aide program for Aboriginal people living off-reserve starting in June in Brandon.

Photos:

Above: Graduate from the Comprehensive Health Care Aide program on Ebb and Flow First Nation, ahead of their graduation ceremony, tomorrow.

Above: United Rainbow Singers open the Fisher River region graduation ceremonies last week.

Above: A CHCA graduate pays homage to her fellow graduates with an honour song during the Fisher River region graduation ceremonies on Peguis First Nation.

Above: Fisher River region welcomes 14 much-needed CHCA graduates into their communities.