A message from head office

Aboriginal Nurse, The, Apr 2000 by Downey, Bernice

Spring is right around the corner and with it arrives a new beginning for ANAC.

As part of our sustainability strategy, outlined in the Dec-99 issue of 'The Aboriginal Nurse' (vol 14-2), ANAC negotiated with Health Canada-Medical Services Branch for the development of a new arrangement which would replace the previous core funding agreement. This new approach will be project - based funding which outlines several deliverables relative to MSB established health initiatives for the next fiscal year. This process is in its final stages of negotiations. This is good news for our organization as we enter into our 25th year of operation. We express a warm and heartfelt meegwetch to all those who supported our sustainability efforts!

While our immediate crisis appears to have been addressed; the next year will present new challenges as we make this transition in our fiscal operational approaches. One important issue will be planning for long-term sustainability of ANAC. Strategically planning our commitments over the long term will be a necessary part of the organizational operational plan. We will also need to continue exploring, developing and maintaining new partnerships with both Aboriginal & Non-Aboriginal organizations& As always, our membership services are a priority. We plan to raise awareness in areas concerning the delivery of Aboriginal Health Nursing by our members in the next few months. We also hope to continue development work of Aboriginal Health Nursing as a specialty! In addition, we will be gathering together again May 25-28 in Ottawa for our Annual General Meeting and Teaching Conference on 'Technology in Aboriginal Communities'

A special 25th anniversary celebration banquet is planned on Saturday May 27th at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre! We look forward to seeing as many of our members there as possible. We also hope that other community members and representatives from both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations will come out to celebrate with us too.

In closing, I wish to thank our Board of Directors for their encouragement and support during this very busy time!