Our Commitment to Reconciliation

A message from Stephanie Tuurngaq Gilbert, RN, BN, CRN, CNA Board Director

As an Inuk, registered nurse, CNA board director, and member of the CNA Indigenous Relations Action Council, I want to speak about the progress that has been made on CNA’s reconciliACTION plan in the last year. This plan includes changes to the way CNA governs itself and represents the nursing profession, and the way it conducts its advocacy work, policy development, and strategic planning.

Important work that has occurred over the last year includes the following:

In recognizing the longstanding generational harms of colonial practices that still exist today, CNA is embarking on its journey toward truth and reconciliation. As part of this work, CNA has extensively networked with allies — including the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association, CNA’s Canadian Network of Nursing Specialties, and the Canadian Medical Association — that influence Indigenous health-care advocacy.

CNA also encourages all nurses and health professionals to reflect on and learn about the history, practice and policies within Canada that have impacted Indigenous communities across the nations. Resources can be found on CNA’s Free Continuing Education Courses page.

Additionally, CNA’s new CEO is committed to supporting the association’s plan for Indigenous health advocacy. Please read her message below.

Stephanie Tuurngaq Gilbert, RN, BN, CRN
CNA Board Director

A message from Valerie Grdisa, RN, PhD, CNA CEO

As nurses, we hold a unique and profound responsibility in the journey towards truth and reconciliation. The history and impact of colonialism have caused centuries of harm to Indigenous communities, and it is our duty to not only acknowledge this truth but to actively work towards healing and justice. Our organization must lead by example, fostering a society where all voices are heard, respected and supported. The nursing profession must reflect on the current and past harms inflicted on Indigenous Peoples and the barriers they face in their access to health and wellness. CNA has a vital role in righting the past wrongs, addressing disparities in care, and ensuring that the nursing profession reflects the values of inclusion and equity. CNA will continue to champion collaboration, healing and mutual respect, creating a foundation for a brighter future in nursing and working towards health equity.

Reconciliation is more than a process — it is a call to action for nurses to foster respect, compassion and understanding in the care they deliver. By embracing Indigenous knowledge, advocating for equity, and listening deeply to Indigenous voices, we can create a health-care system that honours the dignity and rights of all. Together, we can build a future rooted in reconciliation and true partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

I am pleased to announce that CNA will be hosting the Third National Anti-racism Summit and will address key topics including anti-indigenous racism.

Internally, the CNA board of directors and staff completed a six-module online course on the history and contemporary realities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada, with continued learning planned throughout the year ahead.

An Indigenous policy analyst was hired to increase CNA’s capacity to understand Indigenous-specific policy issues. The Indigenous policy analyst will play a key role in advancing CNA’s commitment to truth and reconciliation by leading the development of policies that reflect and prioritize Indigenous perspectives. Through meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities and health partners, the analyst will ensure CNA's policies align with the principles of reconciliation, foster respectful partnerships, and support Indigenous-led health-care solutions. This work will help CNA drive meaningful change and advocate for health equity for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

Looking ahead, CNA will be working with the Indigenous Relations Action Council as well as First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities, governments and organizations to build a future for the profession of nursing that is equitable, inclusive and free from all forms of racism and discrimination.

I am also pleased to announce that CNA has developed an updated land acknowledgement for use in virtual and in-person meetings.

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] Algonquin Nations and Anishinaabe Peoples 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.

Valerie Grdisa, RN, PhD
CNA CEO