Executive director's message

Aboriginal Nurse, The,  Dec 2000  by Downey, Bernice

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Greetings from head office! There is lots happening as usual with the organization. Our teaching conference, `Technology in Aboriginal Communities'; while the numbers were not what we had hoped for, there were exciting discussions about the potential of technology in Aboriginal communities. Nurses will play an integral role as primary care operators of technology. There is a need for knowledge and education as telehealth and other First Nations and Inuit Health Information Systems are implemented at the community level.The A.N.A.C. board and membership endeavors to be a part of the advances of health care service delivery and technology. I'll refer you to the members recommendations in this issue for further ideas as to how our organization can be a full partner in the technology initiatives.

In addition to the conference, we had a memorable '25th Anniversary Celebration Banquet' on Saturday, May 27th at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre. It was a touching moment when Ken Goodwill, husband of the late Jean Goodwill, spoke a few words. Claudette Dumont-Smith was the recipient of the Jean -Goodwill award and Earl Nowgesic provided a glowing overview of Claudette's distinguished nursing career. Jocelyn Bruyere was honored with presentation of an Eagle feather from Fjola HartWasekeesikaw (President) for her hard work as one of the founder's of A.N.A.C..Two hard working nursing students, Sheena Sampson and Brenda Contin received the Baxter -Goodwill nursing scholarships.A good time was had by all that attended! A warm thanks to Trina Mathers and her staff of Turtle Island Tourism for providing the great entertainment and to Roxanne Harper and Kim Krezar of Turtle Island Associates who assisted me in organizing the event.

The summer was busy too! I had the privilege of attending a wonderful Women's Gathering on Matootoo Lake -just outside of Peguis Reserve in Manitoba. "Healing Ourselves, Healing our Communities".The First Nations Women's Committee of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs coordinated this event.The gathering had a wonderful, community oriented, grass-roots flavor with lots of great traditional foods and campfire hospitality. The Keesee Drum Group provided singing and drumming. Many women participated in the sharing circles and sweats.

I also had an opportunity to visit the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Nursing and had a wonderful tour of this excellent facility, which was provided by Dean David Gregory.There are lots of exciting things happening at the Faculty in the area of advancing educational opportunities for other First Nations communities in a similar approach as the Baccalaureate Nursing pilot program in Norway House MB.There is also videoconferencing for distance education and plans are underway to revamp the post RN program. Dean Gregory is a current associate member of A.N.A.C. and demonstrates a commitment to addressing the challenges involved in the provision of nursing in northern communities and improving the health of Aboriginal populations.

Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who assisted and participated in the conference and the 25th anniversary celebrations. I look forward to the exciting work ahead in the area of technology and furthering the development of an Aboriginal Health Nursing Framework. Have a festive Holiday Season!

Bernice Downey, RN

Executive Director

Copyright Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada Dec 2000
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