The unique program within the North Eastman Health Association encompasses many facets
related to the employment of Aboriginal people in the health care system.
The mandate of the Aboriginal Workforce Strategy is to support the North Eastman Health
Association in the creation of a workforce that is representative of the region’s Aboriginal population.
This will be accomplished by recruiting Aboriginal people to positions within all levels of the health
care system, retaining current Aboriginal staff and educating current employees about the diversity
of the Aboriginal community.
The Aboriginal Workforce Strategy recruitment efforts include such events such as career fairs and
the distribution of job postings to our Aboriginal communities. The Aboriginal Workforce Strategy has
been developing partnerships with Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal organizations to create awareness
and understanding of the unlimited opportunities that exist within North Eastman Health Association.
The Aboriginal Workforce Strategy is dedicated to retaining current Aboriginal Staff by providing
support and to serve as an information resource for staff and management. One of our retention
strategies have included activities such as the development of an Aboriginal Employee Network
Support sub-committee. Future plans include the development and implementation of an Aboriginal
mentorship program.
In addition, the encouragement and creation of an "Aboriginal Friendly" work environment is very
important. We offer a one day Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Workshop based on the principle
that by educating North Eastman Health Association on culture diversity we can create an environment
that is warm and accepting for Aboriginal staff and patients. The workshop explores some of the
historical and contemporary issues that have contributed to the development of certain behaviors
associated to Aboriginal beliefs, values and practices. While the primary focus is on examining Aboriginal
issues, participants will begin to appreciate that there are similar differences that exist within all cultures.
HOW DOES THE ABORIGINAL WORKFORCE STRATEGY HELP ME?
The Aboriginal Workforce Strategy has been designed to assist ALL (Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal)
staff and community members within the North Eastman region. It supports the communities, the schools,
prospective Aboriginal job applicants and employees of the North Eastman Health Association.
It supports the communities and prospective Aboriginal job applicants by ensuring the communication
lines are open through job advertisements in the health care field. Job advertisements are sent to
the surrounding communities on a regular basis. It supports the communities by working on building
partnerships for future initiatives that will benefit the communities.
It supports the schools by ensuring information is provided through career sessions and career packages.
There are two presentations that are provided to students. One is specifically related to health care careers
and the other presentation addresses goal setting and career planning.
It supports employees of North
Eastman Health Association by offering Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training on an ongoing basis and
focusing on building relationships within North Eastman Health
Association between staff and clients.
For further information regarding the Aboriginal Workforce Strategy, contact:
Cheryl Lidfors-Karklin, Human Resources Manager
Telephone: Toll-free: 1-877-753-2012 ext. 241 or 204-753-3121 (voicemail)
Email: Cheryl Lidfors-Karklin or mail to:
Address: Box 339, 24 Aberdeen Avenue, Pinawa, Manitoba. R0E 1L0
