October 18, 2004
On top of the world!
by Ruth Martin-Misener
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| Canadian history in the making: Lily Amagoalik and Asenath Idlout are thefirst women in Nunavut to earn a nursing degree. They are the first twoBSc(N) graduates of the Â鶹´«Ã½ Arctic Nursing Program, offeredin partnership with the Nunavut Arctic College, on site in Iqualuit.(Back Row, Left to Right)Keith Ludlow, Campus Director Nunatta Campus, Arctic CollegeAnita Ludlow, Coordinator, BScN (Arctic Nursing) Program, Arctic CollegeDr. Barbara Downe-Wamboldt, Director, School of Nursing, Â鶹´«Ã½UniversityProfessor Ruth Martin-Misener, Coordinator, BScN (Arctic Nursing) Program,Â鶹´«Ã½Dr. Tom Traves, President, Â鶹´«Ã½(Front Row)Nursing Graduates Asenath Idlout and Lily Amagoalik | |
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Canada's first graduates from a specialized Arctic nursing program willprovide much needed professional services in Nunavut, thanks to a uniquepartnership between Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Nunavut Arctic College.Lily Amagoalik and Asenath Idlout were formally awarded a BScN(Arctic Nursing) at Â鶹´«Ã½'s fall convocation ceremonies on Oct. 16. Aprevious celebration was held in the late summer in Iqualuit to mark thecompletion of studies.Their expertise will make a significant contribution to the ongoingchallenges of recruiting and retaining registered nurses for Canada's north.The pair are the first two BScN (Arctic Nursing) graduates of a jointÂ鶹´«Ã½ and Nunavut Arctic College partnership that wasinitiated in 1999 following several years of planning between the twoinstitutions and the community.
The four-year program is offered on site by the Arctic College in Iqualuit. The curriculum was developed with the leadership of professors Ruth Martin-Misener, Cathy Thibeault, and the late Mary Lou Ellerton. Frequent consultations were held with Arctic College faculty members, Nunavut community leaders, politicians and community members.
The program is approved by both the Â鶹´«Ã½ Senate and the Arctic College Board of Governors.