Kalum Dan mural

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.

Nursing Indigenous News

Self-reflection essential for renewing and repairing relationships

Michelle Scott plans to weave Indigenous knowledge and worldviews into teaching and learning practices

UCalgary Nursing strengthens efforts to understand its role in Indigenous health care

Michelle Scott, new director of Indigenous initiatives, shares more about the nursing faculty's road to Indigenous recognition

Nursing undergrad brings nursing perspective to Indigenous Health Program at Foothills campus

Eva Haigh-Baptiste says summer student position at Cumming School of Medicine allows her to support med students and to connect with her Indigenous culture

Class of 2023: Indigenous nursing grad returns to the North to begin her health-care career

Yukoner Jenelle Clethero heads home to Whitehorse after completing her studies during pandemic

UCalgary Nursing welcomes new Director of Indigenous Initiatives

Assistant Professor (Teaching) Michelle Scott, Anaatsa'poopaki (Pretty Plume Woman) joins the faculty Feb. 1

Nursing students hold donation drive for menstruation products for vulnerable and unhoused Calgarians

Second-year students in N289 work with community health partner The Moss Bag Project to create Moon Time Bags; donations accepted until Nov. 15

Indigenous Initiatives Events


Indigenous Resources

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. 

Learn more

International Women's Day March 8

Our Indigenous Initiatives director Michelle Scott gave a keynote at the The Elspeth Heyworth Centre celebration of #InternationalWomensDay on March 2. 

Wall art creates brave space for Indigenous nursing students

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.

Read the full story

UCalgary Nursing adds new Indigenous murals and artwork to student spaces

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 

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TRC call-to-action a springboard for change

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. 

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