Indigenous Nurses Day honors contributions to the nursing profession

Indigenous Nurses Day is observed April 10, the birthdate of Edith Anderson Monture, and recognizes the contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nurses. Nursing leaders in the article emphasize education, cultural sensitivity training and greater integration of traditional and western health approaches.

Indigenous Nurses Day falls on April 10, the birthdate of Edith Anderson Monture, the first First Nations woman to become a registered nurse in Canada. The day recognizes contributions by First Nations, Métis and Inuit nurses to the nursing profession. Interviewees in the article describe how nursing practice has seen more attention to the history of colonization, health disparities and social determinants of health. They also discuss growing receptivity to integrating western medicine with traditional medicines and the role of education in supporting Indigenous nursing practice. Key points: - Indigenous Nurses Day is observed April 10, chosen to coincide with Edith Anderson Monture's birthdate. - Holly Graham, a Cree professor and Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing, said nurses form the backbone of health care and play roles in advocacy, research and patient care. - Graham, a registered nurse for 41 years, noted increased awareness of colonization, health disparities and social determinants of health in nursing practice. - The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing now requires a course on Indigenous health issues as part of accreditation, which Graham said responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 24. - Hilary Fry, a Labrador Inuk nurse and the Canadian Nurses Association's first Indigenous policy analyst, said CNA staff take cultural sensitivity training and that resource and retention challenges remain for Indigenous nurses working in their communities. Summary: The observance highlights the work and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nurses and the role of education and cultural training in shaping more holistic care. Undetermined at this time.