“UCN is tremendously grateful to the government of Manitoba and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba who have supported the expansion of our DPN [Diploma in Practical Nursing] program to Thompson,” said UCN academic and research vice-president Dr. Dan Smith. “UCN could not offer this program without their support and guidance.” Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson said there is more demand for licensed practical nurses in Northern Manitoba and that having the program offered in Thompson will benefit the entire health care system while Advanced Education and Immigration Minister Wayne Ewasko said the program is helping UCN fulfill its mandate of providing education aligned with Manitoba’s workforce needs.
Photograph By Ramsey Cook Photograph By Ramsey Cook Photograph By Ramsey Cook
Ramsey Cook determining some species-specific measurements with a caliper in the Wildlife Management Lab at the University College of the North campus in The Pas. Photograph By Ramsey Cook Tansi! My name is Ramsey Cook and I am from Split Lake. I belong to Tataskweyak Cree Nation. It was here my grandparents Eve and Joseph Keeper and my uncles raised me to appreciate “wildlife” … and to understand the importance of practical learning while living in nature. Daily chores included hauling water, cutting wood, checking nets and feeding the dogs. As a child, it was fun and I fought to stay out of school, but grandma would usually have me dressed before I was even awake! On occasion, though, I stayed home, and on one of these rare days, I remember a conversation with my Grandpa Joseph as though it were yesterday! He s
“Taking the health care support worker training is my best opportunity to start working in the health care field,” said program graduate Kanwaljeet Gill in a UCN press release. “I am very grateful to UCN and hospital management staff for creating this short period training opportunity.” Offering the program can help alleviate stresses on a health care system overburdened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, said UCN Dean of Health Dr. Vicki Zeran. “It’s important that UCN helps in any way possible during these trying times,” Zeran said. CEO Helga Bryant said the NRHA looks forward to working with recent and future graduates at a time when their skills are greatly needed in northern communities.
The new permanent centre is being constructed by A&B Builders and is a joint venture between KAO, the Manitoba Metis Federation and Louis Riel Capital Corporation, with the provincial government’s Department of Families Early Learnign and Child Care Branch providing some of the funding. It will have space for 16 infants, 8 toddlers and 16 preschool children and it scheduled to open in the summer of 2021. Fundraising for the new centre has been assisted by the KAO board, volunteers and local businesses and organizations including Light of the North, the Thompson Regional Airport Authority and Crazy Pete’s U-Haul. Anyone who would like to assist with KAO’s ongoing fundraising efforts can contact KAO director Sandra Gagne.