Iiyikinaami (Spirit Helper)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program is a unique collaboration between UCalgary Nursing and Natosapi College (OSCC). Named “Iiyikinaami” (Spirit Helper) in a traditional Blackfoot ceremony, it bridges modern Western healthcare with Indigenous ways of knowing, including Siksika traditions.
Registration Form

Career Paths

Graduates are prepared for various nursing roles, including:

  • Community health care
  • Home care
  • Acute care
  • Outpatient services
  • Nurse educators
  • Public health nurse
  • Occupational nurse
  • Continuing care

Program Structure & Delivery

This is an expanded five-year program that includes a foundational upgrading year on-campus at Natosapi College. Subsequent courses are delivered through a blend of:

  • In-person classes at both Natosapi College and UCalgary
  • Online learning
  • Clinical labs at Natosapi College and within the community.

Course Overview

The program covers a wide range of nursing and foundational subjects, including:

  • Prerequisites: Englsh 30-1, Science 30, Math 30-2, Biology 30, and Siksika Knowledge 200.
  • Core Nursing: Anatomy & Physiology, Indigenous Health Studies, Foundational Professional Concepts, Community & Population Health, Family Nursing, Acute Care, Chronic Illness, Leadership, and extensive clinical practicums.
  • Academic Skills: Academic Writing, Statistics.


Iikikinaami Student Testimonials

Program Requirements

  • High School Diploma and/or Post-Secondary Transcripts.
  • Mandatory Upgrading Year (Year 1) at OSCC if you haven’t met the high school requirements (English 30-1, Math 30-2, Chemistry/Science 30, Biology 30) with an overall average of 70% or higher. OSCC offers this upgrading pathway.
  • Applicants must self-identify as an Indigenous person of Canada (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit). Preference is given to Siksika Nation members.
  • Applicants must reside in Alberta within 120 km of Old Sun College.

Financial Aid & Funding (For Foundational Upgrading Year)

Funding for the first (upgrading) year may be available through:

  • Foundational Learning (formerly Alberta Works) / UCEP
  • Siksika Post Secondary Student Support Program – OSCC
  • RBC Indigenous Student Support Fund
  • UCalgary Faculty of Nursing Student Awards Fund
  • Siksika Treasury Administration

 

Important Dates & How to Apply

  • Application deadline for the BScN program is March 1 annually.
  • Deadline to register for Upgrading at Natosapi is June 15th annually.

How to Apply

  • Email the Iiyikinaami – Spirit Helper BScN Coordinator, Debbie Smith, with your high school and any post-secondary transcripts for review.
  • Student advising on course needs will be coordinated through UCalgary’s Faculty of Nursing.
  • If you need upgrading, register for those courses at Old Sun Community College via the OSCC Registrar by June 15th.
  • Once upgrading requirements are met, you can apply directly to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at OSCC. The Coordinator and UCalgary Student Advising will help with this. (Students who already meet the requirements can bypass the upgrading year.)

Program Contact

For more details, contact Debbie Smith at debbie.smith@oldsuncollege.ca