First Nations Student and New Grad Programs provide work experience and exposure to First Nations health care across the province​

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) welcomed its first cohort of First Nations students in January 2023 with Raising the Canoe – First Nations Student Program, and will soon be welcoming the first cohort of recent grads through a new initiative: Firekeepers – First Nations New Grad Program. 

Raising the Canoe – First Nations Student Program

Canoes are significant to West Coast First Nations traveling up and down the coast, and to villages. When raising the canoe, this requires teamwork and individual commitment before moving to the water, highlighting the intention and planning that comes from this program and the personal development of each participant. 

Emphasis is placed in helping to develop the professional skills of students as they prepare for their careers in health care, while providing them with practical hands-on work experience. This includes tailored support and regular check-ins with the First Nations Career Partner, who manages the program and provides advisory services to current and prospective students. 

Students also participate in a mid-term feedback meeting and an end-of-term final review, where they are supported in finding continuing employment within FNHA. Students' successful completion of the program is celebrated at an end-of-term cultural ceremony. 

If you have questions about the program, please contact Students@fnha.ca. 

Firekeepers – First Nations New Grad Program

Firekeepers hold an important role in ceremonies and in communities at large – they are tasked with intentionally keeping the fire going for everyone. Akin to the fire, new grads hold responsibilities in nurturing their talents and relations while modeling leadership in their communities. 

The pilot position for this program began with our Information Management and Information Technology (IMIT) team and will welcome the first cohort in September 2024, inviting First Nations, Inuit, or Métis post-secondary and training program grads to participate in a one-year work term at the FNHA. 

The program is designed to increase First Nations, Inuit, and Métis representation at the FNHA while supporting the new grad's career goals and development, and will provide experience to be ready to enter the workforce in their chosen careers. 

This is an entry-level professional developmental position. Working under close guidance from assigned mentors, participants will be accountable for growing and strengthening their leadership skills and general understanding of the FNHA, and other major functional areas, through a detailed 12-month development plan including shadowing and hands-on learning. In addition, the program will provide: 

• Well-rounded Personal Development Plan
• Professional development workshops
• 1:1 career support with First Nations Career Partner
• Mentorship with an FNHA employee 

If you have questions about the program, please contact FirstNationsCareers@fnha.ca. 

Applications are now being accepted for the September 2024 cohort for both programs with the deadline for July 15.​