Personal Support Workers Day in the NWT was celebrated this year on June 24. Observed on the last Tuesday of June, the day recognizes the essential role Personal Support Workers (PSWs) play in promoting health, dignity, and well-being of individuals across the territory. PSWs provide compassionate care in Elders homes, in hospitals, in homes, one-on-one in schools, and more.

Aurora College is proud of our Personal Support Worker Certificate program, students, alumni, faculty and staff for the tremendous contribution they make health care in the Northwest Territories. Two of our graduates were honoured recently for their exceptional dedication and hard work.

Romanie Wideman, pictured in the centre, was presented with the Clinical Excellence Award at Home Care – NTHSSA Yellowknife Region, where she is completing her final practicum course with a wonderful team of support workers.

Clinical Excellence Award
2025 graduate Romanie Wideman received the Clinical Excellence Award. The faculty-nominated honour recognizes a student who demonstrates outstanding skill and professionalism in the clinical setting. She was presented with the award during her final practicum at Home Care – NTHSSA Yellowknife Region, where she worked alongside a team that includes many Aurora College alumni.

AVENS Sheila Broders Award
Graduate Diane Lafferty of Behchokǫ̀ was recognized with the AVENS Sheila Broders Award. Presented during the Yellowknife Convocation Ceremony by AVENS Care Manager Sandra Crocker-Walsh, the award celebrates Diane’s dedication and excellence in caregiving to AVENS residents during her practicum.

Chair of Health and Human Services, Jodi Brennan, emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of PSWs. “It’s important to honour students who strive for clinical excellence and to celebrate the commitment Personal Support Workers bring to our communities every day.”

Graduate Diane Lafferty (pictured first row, third from right) of Behchokǫ̀ was recognized with the AVENS Sheila Broders Award during the Yellowknife Convocation Ceremony last month.

Aurora College’s PSW program offers flexible delivery options—including in-person and distance learning —making it accessible to Northerners throughout the territory. In 10105-2026, students care study in-person, full-time at Yellowknife North Slave Campus; in-person, part-time in Behchokǫ̀, Fort Smith and Inuvik; or through distance delivery anywhere in the territory.

Online application deadline for the program is June 30, 2025; students can apply to individual courses as they are offered.