August 9 is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples—a day to recognize the knowledge, leadership and strength of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world.
It is an opportunity to listen, learn and highlight the voices shaping culturally safe care.
Nicole Blackman, RN and Chief Operating Officer and Christi-Ann Poulette, RN and Health System Transformation Manager from the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council shared their insights in a video-taped conversation about Indigenous health and nursing. Here are some key highlights from the conversation:
Two-eyed seeing approach in health care
Introduced by Elder Albert Marshall from the Moose Clan of the Mi'kmaw Nation, the guiding principle of Two-Eyed Seeing, is a powerful and respectful way of approaching knowledge, health and wellness by bringing together both Indigenous and Western worldviews. Practical examples include combining traditional elements, such as ceremonies and guidance from elders, alongside standard medical treatments in practice settings, enabling more complete and culturally safe health care.
Blackman and Poulette advocate for integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with Western health care. For example, treating people as whole beings, not as health problems, and focusing on the importance of resiliency, cultural strengths, and community connections. “I’ve always tried to make space for both perspectives to be present in health care,” said Poulette. “…allowing families to practice ceremonies, to address traditional beliefs that they want embedded in their care as well as the Western medical treatment.”
Blackman stressed that access to traditional healing practices can vary regionally, underscoring the need for more Indigenous-led organizations to improve access and support. “We’re starting to see an integration of traditional healing practices within care plans for Indigenous communities,” she added.
The impact of Indigenous practices on health outcomes
Indigenous practices improve health outcomes by addressing root causes of health disparities, empowering communities, and reclaiming decision-making through Indigenous-led services. “It is done through culturally grounded, community-based and holistic approaches to care,” said Blackman. “It goes beyond the biomedical model to restore balance and foster connection.”
Indigenous nurses leading change in health care
Indigenous youth were encouraged to pursue health care careers as it is crucial to gain the knowledge that contributes to affirming Indigenous voices in the health care space. Everyday actions towards reconciliation include ongoing learning, advocacy, supporting institutional changes, and walking alongside Indigenous communities in solidarity.
“Indigenous nurses can create change and help transform our health care system by incorporating traditional practices and cultural values into the care they provide,” Poulette advised.
Blackman added, “Indigenous nurses are at the forefront of transformational change. They are not only delivering care, but they are leading policy, education, governance and cultural revitalization.”
A closing message to Indigenous nurses
“You belong here. Your voice, your knowledge, your experiences, your culture are not only valuable in health care, but they are needed. When you choose a path in health, you’re not only choosing a profession, you are becoming a healer, an advocate and a bridge between two worlds.”
– Nicole Blackman, RN, Chief Operating Officer, IPHCC.
“There are so many opportunities to learn and lead in health care, and our indigenous youth coming up behind us can provide such great fresh ideas to create a positive change and really impact the health care of themselves and their community.”
– Christi-Ann Poulette, RN, Health System Transformation Manager, IPHCC.
To experience this meaningful conversation, watch the full video.