In celebration of National Nursing Week and the 2025 theme “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health”, the First Nations Health Foundation has launched a special fundraising campaign to support First Nations nursing students through our Nursing Bursary Program, and it begins with a bold challenge.
Supporters Douglas Dunn and Rachel Paimen have contributed $10,000 to kickstart the campaign and are calling on others to rise to the challenge. Their goal? To inspire the community to meet and exceed their gift—so that even more students can receive the support they need to succeed.
“We believe in the power of nurses to create lasting change,” says Rachel. “We made this gift because we know the impact nurses have—and we hope others will join us in supporting the next generation.”
“This is a worthwhile cause to donate to because it directly addresses the shortage of nurses we have across British Columbia,” says Douglas.
This Nursing Bursary Program provides financial assistance to First Nations students accepted into or are currently enrolled in a nursing program. The first call for applications will launch following this fundraising campaign. The more we raise, the more students this will benefit.
Our Executive Director Nathania Fung explains why this program matters, “This program supports future nurses at a pivotal point in their journey. It’s an investment in people who will go on to transform healthcare systems and improve outcomes across communities.”
This bursary program recognizes that existing scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students often only cover tuition. Douglas and Rachel co-created this initiative with the Foundation and the First Nations Health Foundation to go beyond what existing scholarships offer—covering accommodations, travel costs, and other essential living expenses to relieve a great amount of stress for students, particularly those who need to be away from home for school. It helps remove financial barriers so students can focus on becoming skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals.
With Douglas and Rachel’s challenge gift already on the table, now is the time to act.
“When you give to this campaign, you’re not only supporting the journey of future nurses,” says Gary Housty, Chief Nursing and Allied Health Officer at the First Nations Health Authority. “You are advancing a vision of healthcare grounded in cultural safety, humility, and equity—one that uplifts communities and strengthens care for all.”
Whether you give in honour of a nurse who’s touched your life, or because you believe in building a stronger healthcare system—your support matters.
Join Douglas and Rachel’s $10,000 challenge. Help us raise $50,000 for future nurses.
Donate now: fnhfoundation.ca/donate-nursing