Thanks to a new pre-nursing pilot program, Cree students in and around Eeyou Istchee will be able to begin their education journey toward a career in nursing from home. The program is offered by the Cree School Board and Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, who partnered to help address the nursing shortages in Eeyou Istchee and provide a pathway for Cree-speaking students to pursue nursing to provide better care for Cree patients. Students who participate in the program will earn the pre-requisites to continue their education through John Abbott College’s nursing program. “We wanted to make sure it reflects Cree culture, our career, way of life and that’s what is different about this program,” said Cree Health Board Director of Nursing Nancy Shecapio-Blacksmith.
