March 18, 2025
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, approximately 110 First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous (FNIMU) students from local high schools gathered at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) for the hospital’s Youth Indigenous Career Fair where they explored the many career pathways available to them in health care.
This was the hospital’s second time hosting the event. The event brought students from five Thames Valley District School Board high schools and N’Amerind Friendship Centre’s Wiingashk Alternative Secondary School to learn about the wide range of careers available at LHSC before they begin making decisions about post-secondary education.
This year's career fair was supported by Children’s Health Foundation and built on the success of a previous event hosted in 2024, which was made possible through conversations between the London District Chiefs Council, Southern First Nations Secretariat, and members of LHSC’s Executive team.
Community partnerships continue to grow
The day began with an inspiring opening ceremony that included remarks by Elder Chris George from Oneida Nation of the Thames and Chantel Antone, Indigenous Health Lead, followed by traditional singing and dancing by Amanda Doxtator, a member of the Turtle Clan and a Faith Keeper from Oneida Nation of the Thames.
Students then had the opportunity to connect directly with LHSC staff, health-care professionals, and members of community organizations throughout the day. The Children’s Hospital atrium was filled with more than 30 booths, where departments across LHSC and local organizations shared information about their work and the many different roles that support patient care.
Many displays included interactive activities, giving students the chance to try hands-on demonstrations and speak directly with professionals about their career journeys.
“I know I want to work with kids,” said Sophia Cummings, a student at Saunders Secondary School. “So, it was great to learn about Child Life Services today.”
Creating pathways for Indigenous youth
Organizers say that hosting the event a second time reflects LHSC’s continued commitment to building relationships with FNIMU Peoples and communities and creating pathways for Indigenous youth to consider careers in health care.
“Events like this help to plant the seeds of possibility,” said Kiara Karlsen, Child & Youth Indigenous Patient Navigator at Children’s Hospital. “When Indigenous youth can connect with people working in health care, it helps them realize the many paths open to them. Being able to offer the career fair for a second year helps us continue to create those opportunities and encourages students to think about how their strengths and perspectives could one day contribute to the health-care system.”
Leaders at Children’s Hospital say initiatives like the Youth Indigenous Career Fair are an important step toward strengthening representation in the health-care workforce while fostering a sense of belonging for Indigenous youth who may one day pursue careers in the field.
“Health care in Canada does not reflect the full diversity of the communities we serve,” said Shannon Maier, Vice President of Children’s Hospital, Women’s Care, Quality, Risk, and Pharmacy. “First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Urban Indigenous Peoples remain underrepresented across many health-care professions, especially in leadership roles, specialized care, and academic medicine. Through LHSC’s Youth Indigenous Career Fair, it is our hope that students will see the hospital as a place where they belong and can make a difference as leaders, innovators, healers, and change-makers.”