Dear Members,
Rachel Radyk, an Indigenous RPN and BScN student in her last semester at University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Chantal Leadbeater, BScN student, and RNs, including Megan Kobzick, Sarah Beanlands, and Vicky Leung, are creating the RNAO Indigenous Nurses and Allies Interest Group (INAIG). They submitted a proposal to the RNAO and have received approval to proceed with the next step of obtaining 20 contacts of RNs and/ NPs RNAO members in support of the interest group being created.
INAIG’s mission is to foster and advocate for nursing practice that follows the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and environments free of racism, anti-Indigenous discrimination and promotes culturally safe healthcare.
The interest group’s objectives are:
- To challenge racism, anti-Indigenous discrimination, and colonialist structures to create an environment in healthcare that is a culturally safe space.
- To facilitate evidence-informed nursing care that reflects the needs of the Indigenous population (First Nations, Metis and Inuit)
- To advocate for Indigenous clients, significant others, friends, family members and be able to provide resources, support, and knowledge for nurses, students, and their communities.
If you support the RNAO Indigenous Nurses and Allies Interest Group (INAIG) being created, please complete the contact form at: https://forms.gle/dFWkKHHovXREuwe46 with information associated with your RNAO account and please state that you are in favour of the creation of this interest group in the comments section.
If you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact Rachel at rachel.radyk@ontariotechu.net.
Miigwetch and thank you,
Rachel Radyk & CHNIG