Indigenous Nurses Day falls on April 10, commemorating the birthdate of Edith Anderson Monture, a Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) woman and the first First Nations female to achieve registered nurse status in Canada. The day honors the remarkable contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit nurses to the nursing profession.
Holly Graham, a Cree individual from Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan, who serves as a professor and Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, emphasized the pivotal role of nurses in healthcare. Graham highlighted nurses as the backbone of the industry, encompassing various roles such as laborers, innovators, advocates, researchers, and promoters of optimal health outcomes.
With 41 years of experience as a registered nurse, Graham noted the evolving recognition of historical colonization, health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, and the impact of social determinants of health. This shift has led to a more holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on collaborative efforts with patients towards wellness.
Graham highlighted the requirement by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing for a course on Indigenous health issues, aligning with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 24. She emphasized the unique position of nurses in identifying and mitigating potential harm stemming from cultural differences, stressing the influence of culture on self-perception and worldview.
Moreover, Graham emphasized the growing acceptance of integrating traditional Indigenous healing practices with western medicine within the profession, facilitated by increased understanding and a willingness to engage in reconciliation efforts. Hilary Fry, the Canadian Nurses Association’s inaugural Indigenous policy analyst, highlighted the significance of Indigenous Nurses Day in recognizing the achievements of Indigenous nurses without overshadowing National Nurses Week celebrated in May.
Fry, a Labrador Inuk nurse of mixed heritage, underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity training for all nurses, addressing historical challenges faced by Indigenous communities in accessing healthcare. She emphasized the need for education to bridge the gap between western and Indigenous knowledge systems in the nursing field, advocating for increased resources and support for Indigenous nurses working within their communities.
Fry stressed the necessity for comprehensive education for nursing students to effectively engage with Indigenous populations, emphasizing the collective responsibility of non-Indigenous colleagues in advancing reconciliation efforts and supporting the recruitment and retention of Indigenous nurses.
