Living in a First Nations community
Discover the unique ways of life in First Nations communities.
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Life in First Nations communities
Indigenous Services Canada nurses working in a First Nations communities are able to have a balance between their personal and professional lives. While working in community, nurses develop strong relationships with patients and community members.
As an ISC nurse living in a First Nations community, consider the following :
Adventure
Living in a First Nation community gives the opportunity to travel and seek new adventures. Many appreciate the unique opportunities to explore Canada's wilderness and natural beauty through snowshoeing, fishing, canoeing and hiking.
Amenities
Each community has a store where groceries and housewares can be purchased. Access to groceries can be limited compared to some southern communities. There may not be amenities such as gyms and restaurants.
Cost of living
The cost of living can be higher than in southern communities across Canada. ISC nurses are compensated with an isolated post allowance, dependent upon hours worked and the remoteness of the community.
Housing
Accommodations may be within or close to the facility where nurses work. Accommodations are often shared with other nurses in the community. Nurses have their own private sleeping quarters, but may share common living space such as kitchen or living room.
Internet access
Phone and internet connection may be slower or less reliable than experienced in an urban setting. Inclement weather and power outages can also delay internet access.
Traveling
Typically, nurses fly in and out of communities based on agreed upon schedules such as 2 to 4 weeks in, and 2 to 4 weeks out. Some communities are only accessible by plane or ice roads in winter months.
Weather
First Nations communities are shaped by sparse populations, geographic isolation and extreme climate conditions. Weather can vary depending on community.
First Nations cultures
First Nations communities are resilient, diverse and have a long rich history. Each community has unique traditions, languages and governance systems. Despite their differences, communities share a strong emphasis on community, spirituality and collective ancestral ties to land and natural resources.
Culture in First Nations communities is deeply rooted in traditions, storytelling and symbolism. First Nations peoples share their traditions through art and dance to ensure their history and values are preserved.
Living in a First Nations community in Canada is a one-of-a-kind experience. ISC nurses living in First Nations communities develop strong relationships with patients and community members. A sense of community, enduring nurse-patient relationships and cultural immersion are 3 features unique to ISC nursing.
Learn more about Indigenous Peoples and culture.
ISC nurses: Living in First Nations communities
Learn about ISC nurses who have fallen in love with the adventure, sense of belonging and close-knit relationships they developed while living in communities.
Nurses living in and around First Nations communities have the opportunity to experience the unique ways of life. From community events to outdoor exploring, there's always something to do!
Transcript of video: ISC nurses: Living in First Nations communities
Madeline Tiegs: I think what makes it unique to live in and around First Nations community is getting to see the different people and different people's ways of life and things.
Text on screen: Kenn Aseron, Public Health Nurse, Indigenous Services Canada
Kenn Aseron: Living in a little bit more isolated place means that there's less distractions and less busyness going on, like the city. So you're able to go to the lake or go for a walk or just enjoy the community itself.
Text on screen: Jessica Zwaagstra, Nurse in Charge, Indigenous Services Canada
Jessica Zwaagstra: So the community here has a lot of different events that they'll put on.
Kenn Aseron: Right now, they're doing moccasin making in the other building.
Just teaching us a little bit about the history of moccasins, how they're made, the different parts that go into it.
Text on screen: Madeline Tiegs, Registered Practical Nurse, Indigenous Services Canada
Madeline Tiegs: It doesn't have a lot, but what it does have is community. So it doesn't have a lot in the sense of a Walmart down the street or something quick that you can just drive to go get a coffee kind of thing.
You make your experience what you want it to be.
Text on screen: Lana Angeconeb, Community Health Nurse, Indigenous Services Canada
Lana Angeconeb: My favorite thing about living in First Nations communities is having the opportunities to do the things that they're doing in the community, such as ice fishing, or snowshoeing or snowmobiling, or going out on a boat and fishing—or, you know, just going to the lake and swimming and just being outside. If you're an outdoors person and you love nature, this is a place to be because this is all nature up here.
Jessica Zwaagstra: There's so much to see. Like eagles everywhere, beavers, just everything. I think we caught like 20 some fish within an hour. It's wild. It's really exciting.
Madeline Tiegs: Not a lot of people get this opportunity to be up this far North in Ontario and get to embrace the beautiful scenery, the northern lights.
When you're up here, you have to take it all in.
Jessica Zwaagstra: There's always something to do. There's always somewhere to go, and there's always a new experience to be had.