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For two occupational therapy students, a six-week clinical placement with became more than just an opportunity to cultivate skills – it unfolded as a journey of connection, cultural learning, and discovery.

Corrina Hornidge and Megan Kehler, both in their second year with the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy – North cohort at ��������, travelled across various parts of the north during their placement. Together, the two visited the CSFS communities of Stellat'en, Nee Tahi Buhn, Cheslatta, Skin Tyee, Yekooche, and Nadleh Whut'en. Megan also visited Saik’uz, while Corrina spent time in Takla.

For both students, their placement provided immersive learning that extended far beyond textbooks or classrooms. They joined in land-based activities, shadowed interdisciplinary care teams, and took part in cultural learning sessions that grounded their experience in the values and needs of the communities they visited.

“In one community we joined students, teachers and elders in ice fishing,” noted Corrina. “We were able to watch and listen to the elders’ teachings, see students and their families work together, and were welcomed to join in learning their land-based ways.”

The placement was also an opportunity to learn about occupational therapy services and health care teamwork through different perspectives.

“We were able to shadow a ton of amazing people including OTs, PTs, a speech language pathologist, a rehab assistant, and the CSFS physical and health literacy team,” said Megan. “We learned a lot about working both in remote communities and within the urban Prince George setting.”

At the Yu Be-yah Primary Care Clinic in Prince George, the pair spent one day each week connecting with a team that included nurses, social workers, and nurse practitioners. 

“We learned about how all the different care staff work together,” explained Megan. “We also learned about the importance of earning trust with community members by consistently showing up, keeping promises, and establishing relationships, as well as advocating for your clients’ needs and making sure that your clients feel safe, heard and supported.”

During their placement, the students also completed the two-day Nowh Guna' Carrier Sekani training, which deepened their understanding of the history, language, and experiences, including impacts of residential schools, of the communities they were working with.

Corrina, who has lived in the north for over four decades, including on Haida Gwaii and in Mackenzie, noted that the placement was eye-opening even for someone familiar with remote living.

“After visiting many Carrier Sekani communities at the end of winter, I can assure you it can be an insurmountable challenge for many people to get to town to gain the health care support they need.”

As part of their work, the students also created an OT gaps analysis for CSFS.  

In reflecting on their experiences with Carrier Sekani Family Services and also their OT learning journey so far, Corrina and Megan are looking ahead and envisioning the impact they hope to make as occupational therapists in their com
munities.

Megan, who moved to Prince George from Abbotsford in 2021 with her wife, plans to practice in the city that has become her new home.

“In our healthcare system, there isn't always time to make connections with people, listen,  and establish trust when you have a huge case load,” said Megan, “and clients often report feeling unheard and overlooked. A big part of my future journey, something I am sure will take a lot of time and experience, will be finding the balance between serving as many people as possible while also making sure I am providing the best care possible.“

Corrina, who has lived in Mackenzie for the last 10 years, is also looking ahead with purpose.

“Mackenzie has been very good to my family, and I want to give back to the community. There isn’t an OT living in Mackenzie currently, but I plan to change that after graduation this summer. I look forward to the opportunities Mackenzie has for an OT!”