B.C.’s health minister says First Nations could play a big role to help fill the shortage of health care workers.

Margaret MacDiarmid says UBC’s aboriginal medical student program has graduated more than 30 students, with another 30 currently in the program.

She says with First Nations in many areas of B.C., the students can play a role in rural health care.

"There is just no question and it is profound, and we heard that they are role models, they are inspiring youth in those communities to seek education, and to follow their dreams and their passions. And there is a very supportive community at UBC, but yes, as one of the ways to fill the gaps in rural medicine, this is just a fantastic way."

MacDiarmid says before the program was initiated 10 years ago, the university had graduated just two aboriginal students in medical studies.