Study Abroad in Siberia
Incoming fourth year students Jeanne Kusch (Ile-a-la-Crosse) and Janet MacKenzie (La Ronge) who were awarded $5,000 bursaries from the International Centre for Northern Governance and Development travelled to Yakutsk, Russia (Siberia) in early August to attend a two week Innovative Learning Institute in Northern Nursing Education.
The students learned about northern and indigenous health care from a Yakutian perspective. “We have worked closely with the North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU) in Yakutia, Yakutsk for several years to establish this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Network Coordinator Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot.
Closing ceremonies were held simultaneously in Yakutsk, Russia and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan using video conferencing technology (with the aid of a translator). Students from both countries received completion certificates and took the opportunity to share their experiences. It was clear to all there were many similarities among their home communities, as well as many learning opportunities. One Yakutian nursing students indicated she was very interested in learning more about diabetes when she comes to Canada to attend the Institute next year.
In 2016, the Institute will be held in Saskatchewan and will involve several other circumpolar countries including Russia.