Cross-cultural nursing experience to debut at Norway House Cree Nation

Aboriginal Nurse, The,  Jun 2002  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

On Monday, May 6, the University of Manitoba signed a historical agreement with Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN). The agreement signified a partnership between the Faculty of Nursing at the University, the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (A.N.A.C), and NHCN to provide an in-depth cultural learning experience for nurses. (See picture right)

Under the direction of Dr. David Gregory, dean of nursing, Fjola Hart-Wasekeesikaw, a lecturer at the faculty and president of A.N.A.C., spearheaded the execution of this initiative. The idea was to develop a short program of cross cultural study where nurses could come to Norway House to learn about aboriginal health in a culturally rich environment.

Community development will serve as the framework for the cross-cultural experience. For five days, ten to fifteen nurses from North America will come to Norway House in order to develop a basic understanding about how this community is working towards its vision for sustaining a

This knowledge will be shared with the nurses by Norway House members. Topics such as the impact of community development; services and programs designed to build capacity; the nature of transfer of health care services; providing nursing care in a First Nations community will be addressed.

Other areas of discussion will include: * the significance of a community's history on healing and health

* how ancestral knowledge and traditional values and beliefs guide the governance of a First Nations community

* First Nations perspectives on ideas surrounding community-based health and education programming, health maintenance, and health promotion through traditional practices such as fishing, hunting, song and prayer.

While in Norway House, participants will receive a tour of government and health buildings. They will have the opportunity to learn about the organization of leadership and health operations; take part in prayer activities and a sweat lodge ceremony; and learn about traditional medicines. They will also set-up a day camp and partake in activities that promote health for the caregiver, as well. Participants will also learn about educational programs and opportunities available in the community.

Copyright Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada Jun 2002
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved