Our Commitment to Reconciliation

CNA recognizes the enduring impact of colonial practices and policies on the well-being of generations of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Anti-Indigenous racism continues to persist today, resulting in profound harms. We are committed to following the guidance of Indigenous governments, organizations, and community health leaders in the development and application of culturally responsive, self-determined solutions. Supporting these endeavours is pivotal for effecting sustainable transformation within the health-care system and nursing. Doing so can contribute to the provision of culturally safe care and eradicate racism against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities in Canada.

Save the date for our first  Anti-Indigenous Racism Knowledge Sharing Event

September 29, 2025, 12-4 p.m. ET.

As part of CNA’s ongoing commitment to addressing racism, we are proud to invite you to our first  Anti-Indigenous Racism Knowledge Sharing Event, honouring the 10th anniversary of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

CNA recognizes the significance of this day and chose to host our event the day before to encourage attendees to practise self-reflection on the federally regulated statutory holiday, September 30. Learn more and watch a video.

Working together towards reconciliation and healing

CNA is dedicated to engaging with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to enhance the nursing profession by:

1. Upholding the mandated Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, specifically numbers 18 through 24 as they relate to health. One step CNA is taking is to provide Indigenous cultural awareness training to its staff in fall 2025. This will include a specific module related to anti-Indigenous racism in health care and nursing.
2. Advocating for self-determined, culturally responsive and safe health care services, including solutions for addressing anti-Indigenous racism. These efforts emphasize solutions that have been co-developed with First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders. CNA’s inaugural Anti-Indigenous Racism Knowledge Sharing Event represents an initial step toward this vision.
3. Respectful allyship with our partners in their endeavours to enhance the quality of life and improve health outcomes for all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis patients, families and communities. A “fireside chat” in partnership with NVision and the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association will take place on May 12, 2025, during National Nursing Week.
4. Fostering a holistic, organization-wide approach to developing and implementing a reconciliACTION plan. This framework will be completed through an in-depth consultation process, in partnership with NVision Insight, and guided by the wisdom of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders in nursing.

CNA’s land acknowledgement

In Canada, we live, learn, and work on traditional Indigenous territories. We are all direct beneficiaries of policies of expulsion and assimilation of Indigenous Peoples during and since the time of settlement and Confederation. CNA acknowledges that the land upon which we are meeting is and continues to be the home of diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. I am located in the unceded territory of the [insert local nation you are located in] and acknowledge them as the traditional owners and custodians of these lands.

We pay our respects to Indigenous Peoples past and present and affirm our commitment to respectful and positive relationships with one another and this land.

I make this acknowledgment with the recognition that nurses have a responsibility to learn the harsh and devastating impact that colonization has had on Indigenous Peoples past and present. We have a duty to respond to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day provides time to reflect and honour the children who never returned home from and the survivors of residential schools — and their families and communities. Recognition of this day, and taking the time to practise self-reflection, is an important part of the reconciliation process.

CNA is committed to listening, learning, and taking meaningful actions toward reconciliation. Let us stand together in solidarity with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities, acknowledging the past and working toward a future grounded in respect, understanding and justice.

Help lines and resources

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
The crisis line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of a residential school experience.

Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310
The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada in the following languages: Ojibway, Cree, Inuktut, English and French. They provide 24/7 culturally grounded assessment, referrals, counselling and support in times of crisis, including suicide intervention.

Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8 (toll-free)
The Suicide Crisis Helpline provides a safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This service is available in English and French.