YELLOWKNIFE, NT – In recognition of the essential role Personal Support Workers (PSWs) play in providing quality essential health care, the government of the Northwest Territories (NWT) has designated the last Tuesday of June as Person Support Worker Day – June 30 in 2026. PSWs provide assisted care, most often for Elders and seniors, to support individuals to age with dignity, independence and quality of life.
For more than 20 years, Aurora College has offered a one-year PSW certificate program to prepare northerners for this challenging and rewarding career. Key to the program’s ongoing success are the support and partnerships of NWT health care facilities and providers and the professionals who act as preceptors for students during their practicum placements.
To honour the preceptors’ sharing of expertise, knowledge and compassion with students, Aurora College’s PSW program recognizes one Preceptor of the Year each June, nominated by graduating PSW students. For 2026, Katie Handley, who works with the tŁıwegǫ̀atì Extended Care Unit, was chosen Preceptor of the Year. The award is presented to a preceptors who goes above and beyond expectations in promoting student learning and achievement, serves as an outstanding role model for Personal Support Workers, promotes the preceptor role among colleagues in practice, and demonstrates excellence in teaching and learning.
Currently, Aurora College offers the Personal Support Worker program full-time, in person at Yellowknife North Slave Campus, part-time in person in Inuvik and Behchoko, and through a blended delivery of distance theory and in-person practicum placements and lab courses across the NWT. Compared to other PSW programs offered in Canada, Aurora College requires a higher number of practicum hours than the norm, which provides a solid base of knowledge and experience for new graduates when they enter the workforce. Aurora College is grateful to the entire team at tŁıwegǫ̀atì Extended Care Unit and all of our health care partners for providing students with a supportive environment for learning.
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“Personal Support Workers are often the eyes and ears for residents and clients in care. Every year we really highlight and appreciate the role of PSWs as they provide observation and reporting duties to keep clients safe. PSWs help clients live to their highest potential with preserving health, dignity and independence so they contribute to wellness in so many ways that often go under appreciated.”
– Axelle Kearnan, Program Head, Health Programs
“Personal Support Worker Day is an opportunity to recognize the caring professionals who make a difference in the lives of residents and families across the Northwest Territories every day. Whether helping someone maintain their independence, providing comfort during difficult times, or simply offering a compassionate presence, PSWs play an essential role in our communities. Aurora College is proud to help prepare the next generation of Personal Support Workers, and we thank all those who dedicate their time, skills and compassion to supporting others.”
– Dr. Nora Houlahan, Interim President, Aurora College