First Nations and Métis groups in Manitoba have high hopes for a program to train aboriginal nurses in rural and northern communities in the province.

The province and the federal government announced $9.47 million in funding Monday to train up to 150 aboriginal people to work as licensed practical nurses. The program is run in partnership with First Peoples Development Inc., the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.

The first students started the 18-month training course last October.

Glen Buchko works with MKO, a group representing northern First Nations. He said there are more than 300 nursing vacancies in northern Manitoba.

"Having this training occurring in the north, hopefully they'll retain those people, and they'll hopefully stay in those communities and be very productive," Buchko said.

Buchko said the workload nurses have to deal with in northern communities has led to a high turnover rate.

"So this is part of a whole plan whereby we’re looking at relieving some of the workload."

David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Métis Federation, said in a statement that the investment will help deliver culturally appropriate health services to the communities he represents.

"Having more LPNs providing supports to First Nations, northern and rural communities ensures there are caregivers to further improve health care for all Manitobans," Peter Bjornson, Manitoba's minister of entrepreneurship, training and trade, said in a statement.

Manitoba contributed $4 million to the training initiative.