New investment funding to support culturally-responsive education in nursing and PSW programs through the Anishinabek Educational Institute

April 21, 2022

By Kelly McLeod

ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY— Early this March, the Ministry of Long Term Care announced it is investing $34 million over four years to increase enrolment in nursing and PSW programs at six Ontario Indigenous Institutes. This funding will support these Indigenous Institutes to provide culturally-responsive education and training pathways for learners to prepare for careers as registered nurses, registered practical nurses, or Personal Support Workers (PSW).

The Ontario Government is providing over $5,000,000 in financial support to the Anishinabek Educational Institute to increase enrolment in its nursing and personal support worker (PSW) programs over the next four years.

This investment will help the Anishinabek Educational Institute expand existing programs or create new ones to support the training of approximately 100 practical nurses and 30 PSWs over the next four years. This will include additional lab and classroom space, as well as course materials like hospital beds, simulation manikins, and patient lifts to support the larger cohort of students.

The funding will assist in contributing to addressing the crucial need for PSWs and nurses in Ontario, as well as increase Indigenous language and content in the design of the PSW, Practical Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, including Elder supports for students to provide cultural safety and competency in caring for Indigenous long-term residents.

Funding will directly support:

  • Development of new programs or expansion of existing programs to support enrolment increase for nursing and PSW students;
  • Student subsidies for those enrolled in nursing or PSW programs at their Indigenous Institute; and
  • Enhancement of Indigenous knowledge and language in student learning.

The Anishinabek Educational Institute is now accepting applications for the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program and the Practical Nursing (PN) program. You can apply online at www.aeipostsecondary.ca or for more information, call one of the Anishinabek Educational Institute Health Education Development Officers: Jazmine Glass, Nipissing First Nation Campus (North Bay area) at 1-800-334-3330 or Andrea Noah, Munsee Delaware Nation Campus (London area) at 1-800-441-5904.

*Seats and funding are limited.