A University of Lethbridge master's student has won a major award for the U of L.

Ashoka Canada, The Counselling Foundation of Canada, The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative, and partners recently announced award-winning ideas and projects that take the top honours in the Changemakers Initiative: Inspiring Approaches to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learning.

Among the winners is a Faculty of Health Sciences project directed by Marilyn Lamb (BA/BEd '96), a learning facilitator and master of arts candidate.

Lamb's submission, "Support Services for Aboriginal Students in Health Sciences" was selected from more than 250 entries.

The program is intended to provide support to students by offering support in the often challenging transition from home and family life to university, mentorship programs with elders and aboriginal health care professionals as well as tutoring and counselling support.

In addition, social networking opportunities are provided as well as assistance with scholarship and bursary applications.

Before the support services were in place, enrolment and retention were low, with only a handful of students spread across the four-year Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Health Sciences programs.

However, with targeted support, these numbers have steadily increased. More than 60 students are currently enrolled for the 2011/2012 school year and continued growth is anticipated. Correspondingly, graduation rates of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students have also increased.

The full submission can be found here: http://www.changemakers.com/fnmi-learning/entries/making-dreams-possible

"I am so honoured yet overwhelmed with this recognition and award," Lamb said. "The University is committed to supporting its First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, and I am proud to be part of this circle. For me, it means I am a constant presence for the students to help them with whatever their needs may be at any particular time. The goal is not only to personally support students so they can successfully complete their degrees, but also to improve cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural education – and it is an honor to do this work on traditional Blackfoot land."