Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association

Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (CINA) Acknowledges that Much Work Remains, on this 20th Anniversary of National Aboriginal Day in Canada

As First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities across this country celebrate 20 years of culture, tradition, and affirmation of our inherent right to self-determination, the CINA recognizes that ongoing structural and systemic barriers continue to challenge the achievement of authentic Indigenous leadership in the field of healthcare and system reform for our Indigenous peoples.

After months of working towards establishing a mutually beneficial Partnership Accord to work collaboratively towards improving Indigenous health with the largest and most powerful registered nurses’ association in Canada, the CINA was yesterday denied its request to ratify that partnership.

At the Canadian Nurses Association’s (CNA) annual members meeting in St. John, New Brunswick yesterday, CNA members tabled a resolution to Establish a position on the CNA board of directors for a representative from the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association. The CNA represents registered nurses from 11 provincial and territorial nursing associations and colleges, independent registered nurse members from Ontario and Quebec and retired registered nurses from across the country. This equity seat on the CNA Board was a critical first step in forging a renewed relationship between the organizations. The resolution was voted down 71 to 60.

Lisa Bourque-Bearskin, CINA President was both saddened and shocked by the outcome. “The resolution tabled yesterday would have put the partnership between our two sister organizations into action.” She goes on to say, “it was a reflection of our desire to move forward in unity, and to strengthen our alliances in nursing, for the benefit of all communities in Canada, both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous. To see it fall on the floor like it did tells us that we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

CINA’s approach to partnership is in keeping with the spirit and intent of both the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action.

As all of Canada enters into a new era of reconciliation, CINA celebrates how far it has come in its 40-year history, and prepares for the challenges ahead. Indigenous Nursing Knowledge must be situated at the center, and our expertise in the domains of Indigenous Research, Education, Policy and Practice acknowledged. CINA members continue to be the gateway to Indigenous communities and a vital component of Canada’s primary healthcare system.

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The Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association, celebrated 40 years in existence is the longest serving Indigenous health professional organization in Canada.

For more Information, contact:
Lisa Bourque Bearskin, President Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association 50 Driveway
Ottawa ON K2P 1E2
Phone: 613-724-4677