YSPOR Research Assistant and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in healthcare student, Jamie Thomas, is completing her Research in Medicine (RIM) Unit in Dawson this summer as part of her medical degree in partnership with YSPOR. This research responds to a gap in understanding how Indigenous youth in communities such as Dawson City can best be supported in pursuing healthcare careers.
This project is titled ‘Strengthening Indigenous Representation: Identifying Barriers and Supports for Pursuing Healthcare Careers for Youth in Dawson City, Yukon’. This research study is exploring the experiences, barriers, and supports that influence Indigenous youth in Dawson City in considering or pursuing careers in healthcare. This study aims to better understand what factors encourage or discourage Indigenous youth from entering healthcare professions and to identify ways to strengthen pathways and supports for those who are interested.
Throughout this study, one-on-one interviews have been conducted with Indigenous youth living in Dawson City. These interviews take place in various private locations in the community such as in Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government buildings, K’ajit-in Zho (youth house), and with many taking place sitting on the bank of the Yukon River. This provides an opportunity for youth to share their perspectives on healthcare careers, post-secondary education, and the types of supports that could help make these career paths more accessible.
Thus far, 21 Indigenous youth have been interviewed in Dawson with over 12.5 hours of interview time. Data collection will continue until the beginning of Jamie’s second year of medical school in the fall. Summer 2026 the project will continue. Results from this study will be presented to the Dawson City community and shared with organizations involved in or with an interest in supporting youth access to healthcare careers, including Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, Yukon University, Yukon Hospital Corporation and the Department of Education.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this project and for the continued support from Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation and the community of Dawson.
Author: Jamie Thomas