Indigenous Initiatives
In December 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission produced its final report into the history and legacy of Canada's residential school system with 94 calls to action.
Several of those calls to action focused on health with one specifically requesting that nursing schools in Canada require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues.
To that end, the Faculty of Nursing established an Indigenous initiatives portfolio in 2017 with the intent of integrating Indigenous history into the curriculum, ensuring faculty educators recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and understand Aboriginal rights and educating more Indigenous students.
Indigenous Resources
Check out this website developed by a Term 3 student group in NURS289 Fall 2021.
Find resources available for faculty, staff and students to increase their knowledge around the socio-economic issues and culturally appropriate care for Indigenous populations. Build awareness around Indigenous people's culture, strengths and history.
Nursing Indigenous News
New Bachelor of Nursing degree route widens opportunities for southern Alberta Indigenous students
Pilot program between UCalgary and Old Sun Community College marries western health-care practices with Siksika traditional ways...
'It is not an unchallenging ride': Métis nursing student on staying connected to culture in a university environment
Guided by Elders and members of Indigenous community, nursing student writes extended land acknowledgement
In conversation with nursing changemakers on equity, diversity and inclusion
UCalgary Nursing: Honouring Truth and Reconciliation
UCalgary Nursing honours the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a special event with guests:
Louise Baptiste-Bigchild, Director of Indigenous Initiatives for UCalgary Nursing
Hasimirit Lakhyan, UCalgary Nursing student
Elder Bev Knowlton, Treaty 7
Kalum Teke Dan, Indigenous artist
Women of Song- Pearl White Quills, Deborah Green, Wendy Walker
Dr. Sandra Davidson, Dean of UCalgary Nursing
Faculty unveils new murals and prints by Blackfoot artist
UCalgary Nursing adds new Indigenous murals and artwork by Kalum Teke Dan to student spaces in the Professional Faculties Building
Wall art creates brave space for Indigenous nursing students
The Gathering Space is meant to be a place for Indigenous nursing students to study, regroup, and connect, and its corner location on the lower level of the Professional Faculties Building is unassuming.
In January 2019, Blackfoot artist Kalum Teke Dan painted a mural that will inspire not only the Indigenous community, but anyone who ventures into the space.
TRC call-to-action a springboard for change
The Faculty of Nursing's path toward Indigenization focuses on cultural safety and helping vulnerable populations. Cultural safety includes practices that recognize and respect the unique cultural identity of Indigenous people.
Indigenous Initiatives Events
Join our FONII Student Leadership Team today!
Are you an undergraduate student who wants to get involved with hosting events on campus, raising awareness through community events and championing our Faculty of Nursing indigenous initiatives? Sign up to be a part of our monthly meetings by emailing Tegen Jones, the group's secretary, today!
Looking for additional resources about attending UCalgary, funding and academic support? Check out Writing Symbols Lodge