NEWS RELEASE


Bow Valley, Red Crow colleges partner to educate practical nurses rurally

CALGARY, December 9, 2008 – The Kainai Nation and Standoff, Alta., are improving access to quality health care with Bow Valley and Red Crow Community Colleges signing a partnership to graduate skilled practical nurses.

The partnership, officially signed in Standoff this morning, allows Red Crow Community College (RCCC) to provide BVC’s Aboriginal Practical Nurse Diploma. The program got off the ground in June and 13 students already are deep into their quest to become a licensed practical nurse.

“We are quite pleased to offer our Practical Nurse diploma through Red Crow,” says Dr. Bill DuPerron, BVC’s Dean of Health and Community Care.

“Not only does this partnership ensure Standoff and the Kainai Nation will have skilled and educated practical nurses, but it also indicates BVC is striving to achieve its comprehensive community college mandate from the provincial government by extending our reach to more rural communities.”

RCCC serves to provide leadership to its community through programming and services aimed at achieving self-realization and self-determination, based on Kainayssinni learning.

The College received government funding for a program and searched for a brokering college with Aboriginal content in its curriculum.

Bow Valley College’s Aboriginal Practical Nurse Diploma gives learners the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills required of a practical nurse within the context of Aboriginal culture, values, spirituality, and traditional methods of healing.
“Providing access to post-secondary education programs is the mission of Red Crow Community College,” says Roy Weasal Fat, RCCC’s Vice-President of Academics. “The Aboriginal Licensed Practical Nurse Program offered by Bow Valley College and Red Crow Community College will ensure a higher level of student retention and success.

“The cultural content of this Aboriginal nursing program ensures Kainai students receive a Blackfoot culturally rich program, which is a mandate of Red Crow College.”

Bow Valley College, with more than 11,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in health and business career training, adult upgrading, and English as a Second Language. BVC’s Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), workplace training for immigrant professionals, and employment services provide a wide-range of services for business and professionals.