The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) expressed its deep regret and apologized to the peoples of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis for the past and present harms related to nursing education.

These harms were committed due to systemic racism and the lack of integration of Indigenous perspectives in nursing curricula, the association acknowledged, which acts as the official national spokesperson for teaching, research, and knowledge development in nursing sciences.

It also recognized that, in addition to access to training that is often inequitable and unfair, the experiences were not always respectful and culturally safe for Indigenous students and faculty members.

It is also aware that graduates of its schools often provide racist and unsafe care to Indigenous patients.

The association also announced a series of measures to promote anti-racism, cultural safety, and cultural humility in nursing schools in Canada, as well as within the organization itself.

Curriculum review...

In its view, the process of reviewing the curriculum will take into account trauma and the lasting impact of colonization and racism on Indigenous health, and integrate their perspectives on health and well-being.

The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) also expressed its desire to establish partnerships with Indigenous organizations and communities so that they can participate in developing nursing education policies and practices.

It also wants to put in place support measures before admission and within programs, as well as services designed in partnership with Indigenous communities.

The press release also confirmed that this progress will be monitored using mechanisms developed in consultation with Indigenous partners.

For her part, Cynthia Baker, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), said: We want the dialogue to continue until the needs and aspirations of Indigenous peoples guide our efforts.

In Quebec, several professional unions in the health sector decided to adopt specific guidelines regarding Indigenous peoples following the death of Joyce Echaquan in 2020, a mother from the Atikamekw family who died under insults (new window) from healthcare staff at Lanaudière Hospital Center in Joliette.

In September 2023, the Quebec government itself began working on a bill on cultural safety for Indigenous peoples in the health network.

However, the president of the First Nations Association of Quebec and Labrador, Ghislain Picard, denounced this bill, considering it a disrespect to the rights of the First Nations, as the Quebec government assumes legislative authority on a matter related to the jurisdiction of our First Nations governments, according to him.