Over 60 students from
school boards across Thunder Bay were on-site at TBRHSC to explore many
different health care career options.
By: Gina Fata, Cultural
Communications Specialist, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
In the face of ongoing challenges in recruiting for positions within health care, Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre (TBRHSC) has created a promising initiative: the Indigenous Career Experience (ICE).
In its fourth year, ICE aims to engage Indigenous youth by offering valuable insights into various career paths in health care and fostering a connection with TBRHSC. A key component involves reaching out to high school students before they finalize their post-secondary career choices. By offering students the opportunity to be involved in hands-on learning, the program provides an opportunity for students to get excited about a future career in health care. It also facilitates the recruitment of Indigenous staff within the health care sector.
"I never realized how many different career paths there are in health care until today. The Indigenous Career Experience opened my eyes to opportunities I didn't know existed, and I feel inspired to pursue a future where I can help my community and make a difference," said Aaron Klement, a grade 10 student who participated in ICE.
ICE introduces Indigenous youth to hospital operations and encourages them to consider volunteering opportunities. Volunteering not only allows students to satisfy their mandatory community service hours but also equips them with essential career experience and encourages networking.
“We are aiming to become a more welcoming environment for Indigenous Peoples who are working or visiting our Hospital," said Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion. “As outlined in our Strategic Plan 2026, we are committed to providing a culturally safe environment for all staff and patients. The goal of our organization is to be supportive of cultural differences and maximize cultural safety for staff, patients and families."
Over 60 students from school boards across Thunder Bay were on-site at TBRHSC to explore many different health care career and volunteer options. As part of the program, 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. Throughout the day participants had the opportunity to visit departments that included the Miskwaa Biidaaban (Indigenous Health Hub), Laboratory Services and Medical Device Reprocessing as well as participate in a clinical simulation and try different tools used in the Operating Room.
Students had the
opportunity to visit the Operating Room team and learn about orthopedics,
endoscopy, and intubation.
Indigenous Peoples may face challenges and barriers when accessing health care services or educational opportunities, particularly for those travelling long distances from their communities. By addressing these challenges and improving cultural safety, TBRHSC is striving to create an environment where Indigenous staff and patients can thrive.
“This program is designed to give Indigenous students a first-hand look at the world of health care. We hope it ignites their curiosity about the many volunteering and career paths available at TBRHSC," said Jeannine Verdenik, Vice President of People and Culture. “The goal of the experience is not just to show these young people what health care careers look like but to inspire them to think about their future and the important role education, training, and skills development can play in your journey."
Feedback from previous participants emphasized the need for TBRHSC to be a more welcoming space for Indigenous communities. It was clear that increasing the number of Indigenous staff and volunteers who can appreciate the culture and languages of these communities would significantly contribute to this goal.
As the ICE Program continues to evolve, it serves as a vital platform for inspiring and informing Indigenous youth about the diverse and rewarding career paths available in the health care field. These young individuals can embark on journeys that allow their passion for helping others to flourish. Through ongoing support and engagement, the program plays a crucial role in shaping the health care workforce of the future, one step at a time.