A group of North Island College nursing students is holding a fundraiser in Comox this weekend to help cover the costs of a unique learning opportunity in a remote First Nations community.

It’s taking place on Saturday, June 6th, and will include a garage sale, bake sale, bottle drive, and silent auction.

Ten nursing students enrolled in the Nursing 410 course, Health and Wellness in First Nation Communities, have been selected to travel to Rivers Inlet, the traditional territory of the Wuikinuxv, or Oweekeno, First Nation.

During the trip, students will live and learn alongside community members, taking part in activities that may include National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, visits to the Big House, meetings with Elders, tours of local facilities, time spent on the land, and learning about traditional medicines, local history, and cultural practices.

The experience is designed to deepen students' understanding of Indigenous perspectives on wellness, spirituality, reconciliation in health care, cultural safety, and the social determinants of health in remote communities.

The students are responsible for covering their own travel expenses, including transportation and water taxi costs.

Funds raised through Saturday's event will help make the trip possible and support the students as they work toward becoming culturally informed health-care professionals.

The fundraiser runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at 604 Pritchard Road in Comox.