Five students are among the second group of graduates from the Maternal-infant Support Worker program in Sioux Lookout.
The students are from Slate Falls, Sioux Lookout, Fort Severn, Bearskin and Wunnumin Lake.
The course is a certificate program that resulted from a collaboration between the Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board, the Meno Ya Win Health Centre, Confederation College and the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research at Lakehead University.
The goal is to improve the care of mothers and infants living in remote First Nations by providing individuals with skills and knowledge from front-line health workers.
The program combines traditional and western teachings and incorporates Indigenous cultural beliefs, values and practices.
The key role of the support worker is providing a focus on health promotion and illness prevention strategies and participating in community wellness programs.
The worker will be able to provide a range of prenatal and postnatal resources in addition to supporting expecting mothers, fathers and extended family.
The individual will also perform home visits across the north.
