MFNERC’s Training Initiatives is dedicated to the success of three First Nations students who are completing their Master of Science in Community Disorders: Speech-Language Pathology at Minot State University, North Dakota.

This graduate program is course-based and was designed to develop competencies in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and management of articulation, language, fluency, voice, and resonance disorders. The program also focuses on the fundamental practices of audiology, which is concerned with the identification, assessment, and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing disorders.

“When David Courchene from the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Center first approached us about getting trained speech-language pathologists into Manitoba First Nations communities, we were very excited! Language is very important, and when you have people who already understand that cultural component, it makes for better services for students,” shares Dr. Ann Beste-Guldborg, associate professor and chairperson of the Department of Communication Disorders at Minot State University.

Annie Nienhusyen, a member of Sandy Bay First Nation, says, “I heard about the program online. They were looking for First Nations people who want to work in communities as speech-language pathologists. They’ve been able to offer me financial assistance with my books, tutoring, and tuition. I’m very thankful for the support of MFNERC.”

“Everything about this program, from working in the community, neurology, science, and constantly learning, were all things that interested me. I didn’t even know speech-language pathology was a profession until I learned about this opportunity. I’m grateful to MFNERC for sponsoring this program,” says Megan Guimond of Sagkeeng First Nation.