Aboriginal Nurses Day

Aboriginal Nurse, The, Summer 2009 by Jacko, Maria

On Friday May 15th, 2009 the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (A.N.A.C.) kicked off Aboriginal Nurses Day at 7:00 am at Victoria Island in Ottawa, Ontario. Upon arriving at Victoria Island, A.N.A.C. staff set up and greeted the visitors, who started arriving at 7:30 am.

A.N.A.C. President, Rosella Kinoshameg, laid out items for a smudge and directed everyone to gather in a circle where upon four people forming the circle was chosen to speak for each of the four directions. Once the circle was completed, Rosella gave a few words of wisdom, in the form of a poem with special meaning to nurses everywhere, and offered a prayer.

After the prayer, Rosella navigated the circle smudging each individual and offered them a symbolic strawberry. With the smudging completed, each person went around the circle greeting one another and giving each person they met a welcoming hug.

Once the ceremony was completed, a traditional breakfast was served to guests. Having finished breakfast, goodbyes were said and each guest was offered a thank you gift (water bottle, lip balm and mints) along with the A.N. A.C. newsletter as they left.

Maria Jacko, A. N. A. C. Project Coordinator