Over 60 students from school boards across Thunder Bay were on-site at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) to explore many different health care career and volunteer options.
In its fifth year, the Indigenous Career Experience is dedicated to inspiring Indigenous youth by providing essential insights into diverse health care career opportunities and by building relationships with TBRHSC. A significant aspect of the program is connecting with high school students before they make final decisions about post-secondary education. Through hands-on learning experiences, it ignites their enthusiasm for pursuing a future in health care. Additionally, the initiative supports the recruitment of Indigenous professionals within the health care sector.
A special part of this year’s event was the naming of the program with a traditional Spirit Name. Elder Aaron Therriault gifted the name ‘Kinomagai Akosii-agamong Anokiiwin’, which translates to ‘teaching hospital, career or work’. The name represents the work that our Hospital does, as it is a place for teaching and learning.
Students experienced a day filled with tours, presentations, and hands-on activities designed to provide them with an authentic feel of various health care roles. Students have the opportunity to interact with managers and staff, ask questions, and learn about the educational pathways required for various positions.
“It was a fun day. I think the hands-on activities were the best part. Using surgical tools in the operating room was super cool. I also really enjoyed learning about Indigenous traditions like drumming and smudging, which I don’t get to do often,” said a grade 10 student from Hammarskjold High School. “The ‘Amazing Race’ activity was really fun and interactive. I appreciated how the staff explained everything and answered our questions.”
The departments that participated, the Operating Room, Medical Device Reprocessing Department, Nutrition and Food Services, Maintenance, Miskwaa Biidaaban, Interprofessional Education, and Volunteer Services played a vital role in making this day a valuable and fun learning experience for the students.
“It was such a pleasure to run our Amazing Race Workshop with students from all grades and schools across Thunder Bay,” said Holly Freill, Interprofessional Educator. “Everyone jumped in with enthusiasm, making it a fun day filled with challenge, teamwork, and lots of laughter,” added Jennifer Gadioma, Interprofessional Educator.
Human Resources would like to say thank you to Elder Aaron, the planning committee, participating departments, and our Senior Leadership Council for your time, your knowledge, and your enthusiasm. The dedication to educating and inspiring the next generation of health care professionals is truly appreciated. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and inspire more young minds.
