Statement made on 09 March 2011 by Senator Grant Mitchell
Hon. Grant Mitchell:
Honourable senators, today I have the pleasure of speaking about an excellent program at the University of Lethbridge, the Support Program for Aboriginal Nursing Students, known as SPANS.
The primary objective of SPANS is to recruit Aboriginal students who have the abilities and interests suitable to a nursing career. SPANS gives them the support they need to complete their studies and obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Lethbridge.
This program is unique in many ways. It includes a one-year transition program to help students meet the entrance requirements for the nursing program. This program also gives Blackfoot elders a place in discussions with students about nursing and health care.
Aboriginal students can also take advantage of a mentorship program with registered nurses who work in the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Furthermore, students have access to designated infrastructure and staff, including an academic coordinator and an administrative assistant.
The program has recently expanded and is now open to students enrolled in the public health and addictions counselling programs.
The success of the program is also based on the opportunity for students to complete their clinical placements in their communities, on reserves, and thus become role models for other members of their communities.
Honourable senators, I encourage you to join me in congratulating the students and staff of the Support Program for Aboriginal Nursing Students at the University of Lethbridge. They are participating in an innovative and visionary project that will benefit Inuit, Metis and First Nations communities across Canada for a long time to come.