September 30, 2023 — As an Inuk, registered nurse, CNA board director, and member of the CNA Indigenous advisory council, I am sharing some essential resources for all nurses and CNA members. Please familiarize yourself with the following and take them forward in your practice to contribute to reconciliation.
This is the 10th year since Orange Shirt Day started to bring awareness to the harmful legacy of residential schools. It has grown to include the concept of Every Child Matters. Now, in solidarity, we mark our calendars on September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The survivors of residential schools want their history taught so that it won’t be repeated. Many resources are available that give guidance to all levels of government, education, justice, child and youth welfare, and health systems. CNA and other health organizations and associations across Canada and around the world can protect future generations by taking action.
To that end, the Indigenous advisory council has called upon CNA to work towards a reconciliACTION plan to incorporate changes to the way it governs itself and represents the nursing profession, and the way it conducts its advocacy work, policy development, and strategic planning. CNA has not only agreed to answer this call, but is enthusiastically and actively working on it.
Stephanie Tuurngaq Gilbert, RN, BN, CRN
CNA Board Director