The Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) and the Cree School Board (CSB) were present at the Sheraton in Downtown Montreal to attend the graduation banquet for the 15 graduates of their collaborative Nursing Springboard Program 2024-2025. Both entities developed the program to prepare Cree students for entry into nursing programs by building academic readiness and integrating cultural knowledge.
With a mix of online and in-person learning, the program was held in Chisasibi, featuring a course delivery that blends college requirements with traditional knowledge. Over the year, the participants also attended various land-based events and Elders retreats, connecting them with cultural teachings and community wellness.
This program aims to help students transition from high school to the demands and expectations of post-secondary education, including deadlines and engagement. It’s also an opportunity to sharpen their communication skills so they can ask for help and voice their opinions with confidence. The graduates will attend a college orientation week, from August 9th to 14th, at John Abbott College, where they will receive their laptops and participate in onboarding activities to prepare them for the academic year.
“It was a great honour to be invited to speak to the Springboard to Nursing students and Yaskutaaw students. As a former graduate of John Abbott College, it was poignant to revisit the place. It was wonderful to listen to the students' journeys, and I hope it is just the beginning. I consider this initiative and collaboration between the Cree School Board as an investment in our future healthcare.“
– Jeannie Pelletier, CBHSSJB Chairperson
The program also represents a strategic investment in workforce development, creating a homegrown pathway for training future Cree nurses. By equipping local students with the academic and cultural tools they need to succeed in post-secondary nursing programs, the initiative helps address ongoing shortages in the region’s health workforce.
The Springboard to Nursing Program is preparing to welcome a new group of learners, with 34 applicants expressing interest in joining the 2025–2026 cohort.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the successful completion of our Springboard to Nursing program in partnership with John Abbott College, the CSB and the CBHSSJB. This initiative has provided a valuable education and hands-on experience, opening doors for community members in Eeyou Istchee to pursue meaningful careers in nursing. The dedication and hard work of our recent graduates inspires us all, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in healthcare across our territory in the future. The completion of the program for these students is not the end of the journey but rather the beginning of countless opportunities for them and our communities. These dedicated individuals have demonstrated resilience, passion, and commitment, paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare. Their success is a powerful reminder that with support and determination, we can overcome barriers and build stronger, healthier communities together in Eeyou Istchee.”
– Nancy Shecapio-Blacksmith, Director of Professional Services & Quality Assurance – Health
