Five new PSWs graduate in Fort Albany

Five students have graduated from the first North East Local Health Integration Network-supported personal support worker program in Fort Albany.

The five students from the First Nations community on the James Bay coast graduated Aug. 27. The community held a feast to celebrate the graduation of Charlotte Knapaysweet, Sarah Knapaysweet, Stephanie Scott, Annabella Sutherland and Hope Sutherland.

It was the second graduation this summer for personal support workers trained locally along the James Bay coast.

“Your work is so very important, and so appreciated by northerners and older adults who will now receive support at home in the Fort Albany area from the hands of fellow community members,” said North East LHIN CEO Louise Paquette in her address to the graduates.

Working in partnership with the Red Cross, the North East LHIN supported work to develop and implement a personal support worker training program that respects and incorporates coastal Cree culture. It began last December in Fort Albany, with local students enrolled. Students were able to remain in their home community as they completed their studies.

The program aligns with the North East LHIN’s strategic plan priority to enhance access to health care services that are culturally appropriate.