Natosapi × University of Calgary Nursing
Iiyikinaami(Spirit Helper) Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program is a unique collaboration between University of Calgary 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.
An expanded five-year program that includes a foundational upgrading year on campus.
A collaboration between University of Calgary Nursing and Natosapi College (OSCC).
In-person classes at Natosapi College and University of Calgary, online learning, and clinical labs in the community.
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
Course Overview
The program covers a wide range of nursing and foundational subjects, including:
PrerequisitesEnglish 30-1, Science 30, Math 30-2, Biology 30, and Siksika Knowledge 200.
Core NursingAnatomy & Physiology, Indigenous Health Studies, Foundational Professional Concepts, Community & Population Health, Family Nursing, Acute Care, Chronic Illness, Leadership, and extensive clinical practicums.
Academic SkillsAcademic Writing, Statistics.
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 University of Calgary
- Online learning
- Clinical labs at Natosapi College and within the community
What Is Iiyikinaami?
The Iiyikinaami (Spirit Helper) Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Old Sun Community College is more than an education. It is a community-rooted pathway into healthcare that supports students academically, culturally, and personally.
Designed for Indigenous learners and mature students, Iiyikinaami offers a culturally safe learning environment where students do not have to leave their families or communities to pursue a nursing degree. The program weaves Indigenous knowledge, community values, and wrap-around supports into post-secondary education, helping students build confidence, purpose, and professional readiness.
Hear From Iiyikinaami Students
Finding Purpose Through Nursing
This short film brings together powerful moments from the women of the Iiyikinaami (Spirit Helper) Nursing Program at Old Sun Community College. Through the voices of Valene Bear Chief, Jazzlyn Maguire, Erica, Kim Hardy, and Harmony, we hear real stories of resilience, growth, and the courage to step into a new path.
These students come from different walks of life, but share a common goal — to build a future rooted in purpose, community, and care. Their words reflect the strength it takes to return to school, overcome challenges, and believe in themselves.
Inside the Clinical Experience
This video highlights the voices of fourth-year students in the Iiyikinaami (Spirit Helper) Nursing Program at Old Sun Community College, sharing their experiences stepping into real clinical environments.
Through their placements in hospitals and healthcare settings, these students are applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real patient care. Their stories reflect the growth, responsibility, and confidence that come with becoming a nurse — not just in theory, but in practice.
These moments mark an important transition, where learning becomes real, and students begin to see themselves as healthcare professionals serving their communities.
The Iiyikinaami program continues to support students every step of the way, preparing them with both the clinical skills and cultural foundation needed to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
Program Sequence
Old Sun Community College and University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing
Iiyikinaami Spirit Helper - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Indigenous Community Route)
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Foundational Year Foundational Learning/Academic Upgrading, also known as academic upgrading, is a pathway designed to help prospective students meet the admission requirements for entry into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program. |
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| English 30-1 | Science 30 |
| Mathematics 30-2 | Biology 30 |
| Year 1 - Fall | Year 2 - Fall Core Skills/Community Health |
Year 3 - Fall 2025 Acute Care |
Year 4 - Fall 2025 Leadership |
| NRSG 203 - Anatomy and Physiology I | NRSG 285 - The Discipline & Profession of Nursing I - Foundational Professional Concepts (3 units) | NRSG 485 - The Discipline & Profession of Nursing III - Furthering Inquiry & Scholarship in Nursing (3 units) | NRSG 585 - The Discipline & Profession of Nursing V - Preparing for Professional Role Transition (3 units) |
| ACWR 303 - Academic Writing | NRSG 287 - The Science of Health I - Communities & Populations (3 units) | NRSG 487 - The Science of Health III - People Experiencing Life Threatening Health Challenges (3 units) | NRSG 589 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practise V - Learning, Praxis & Scholarship in the Practicum Setting (6 units) |
| NRSG 201 - Introduction to Nursing (3 units) | NRSG 288 - Supporting Health I - Communities & Populations (3 units) | NRSG 488 - Supporting Health III | People with Life Threatening Health Challenges (3 units) | NRSG XXX |
| Either Fall or Winter: Siksika Knowledge 200 4 junior options (options can include OSCC Siksika Knowledge courses with transfer credit) | NRSG 289 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practises I - Learning, Praxis & Scholarship in the Practicum Setting (6 units) | NRSG 489 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practises III - Learning Praxis & Scholarship in the Practise Setting (6 units) | NRSG XXX |
| Year 1 - Winter | Year 2 - Winter Family Nursing |
Year 3 - Winter Chronic Illness |
Year 4 - Winter Knowledge Synthesis |
| NRSG 204 - Anatomy and Physiology II | NRSG 385 - The Discipline & Profession of Nursing II - Interprofessional Practise & Professional Accountability (3 units) | NRSG 495 - The Discipline & Profession of Nursing IV - Understanding the Challenges of Leadership Systems of Care (3 units) | NRSG 599 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practise VI - Transition to Nursing Practise (15 units) |
| Statistics 205 | NRSG 387 - The Science of Health II - Families in Transition (3 units) | NRSG 497 - The Science of Health IV - People Experiencing Chronic Health Challenges (3 units) | |
| NRSG 202 - Indigenous Health Studies | NRSG 388 - Supporting Health II | Families in Transition (3 units) | NRSG 498 - Supporting Health IV | People with Chronic Health Challenges (3 units) | |
| Either Fall or Winter: Siksika Knowledge 200 4 junior options (options can include OSCC Siksika Knowledge courses with transfer credit) | NRSG 389 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practise in the Practicum Setting II - Clinical Practicum (6 units) | NRSG 499 - Integrating Nursing Roles & Practise IV - Learning Praxis & Scholarship in the Practicum Setting (3 units) |
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 the 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
- University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing Student Awards Fund
- Siksika Treasury Administration
Dates & How to Apply
March 1Application deadline for the BScN program, annually.
June 15Deadline to register for Upgrading at Natosapi, 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 University of Calgary’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 University of Calgary Student Advising will help with this. (Students who already meet the requirements can bypass the upgrading year.)
Program Contact
For more details on the Iiyikinaami (Spirit Helper) BScN program, contact the program coordinator.
Debbie Smith
Iiyikinaami – Spirit Helper BScN Coordinator
For more details, contact Debbie Smith at
debbie.smith@oldsuncollege.ca