We recognize that we are all Treaty people with relationships and responsibilities to one another. We reaffirm our commitment to advancing the process of Canadian reconciliation with Indigenous peoples by acting on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Calls to Action.
We know that there is much work to do in order to meet this challenge, and our Faculty has outlined five key priorities to ensure our commitment to reconciliation translates to action:
- Preparing nursing graduates to meet the healthcare needs of Indigenous people and communities.
- Sustaining thoughtful, respectful, meaningful relationships between Indigenous communities and the Faculty.
- Increasing the Faculty's number of Indigenous students, staff, and faculty.
- Providing ongoing education/development opportun
ities for faculty and staff on Indigenous issues and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. - Supporting and advancing research with Indigenous peoples.
We've also introduced one of Canada's first courses in Indigenous-centred health care, NURS 222 - Indigenous Health in Canada. This course is offered in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, and is a first step to addressing the challenge of improving cultural safety for indigenous peoples and communities in Healthcare.
Today, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples across Canada and within our own faculty. Tomorrow, we continue the important work of reconciliation.
Sincerely,
Greta G. Cummings RN PhD FCAHS FAAN
Dean & Professor
University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing
Dean & Professor
University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing