College of Nursing Signs MOU with Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada
The University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing and Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (ANAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) October 4th to formalize their collaboration in the area of Aboriginal nursing education.
The signing took place at the ANAC national forum held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Representing ANAC was President Lisa Bourque-Bearskin. "We see many opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan. With their large number of Aboriginal nursing students, we see obvious links in areas, such as mentorship and promotion of involvement and membership in ANAC."
Dr. Lorna Butler, Dean of the College of Nursing, highlighted the collaboration that has already begun on a Northern Nursing Education Network. "Like us, a number of institutions across the country have offered northern, community-based nursing programs to improve accessibility. Working with ANAC, we want to be sure we’re delivering culturally safe and context-relevant nursing education."
Five University of Saskatchewan students from Regina, Saskatoon and La Ronge campuses, were in attendance to witness the signing.
The MOU seeks to promote cooperation in six areas:
- Mentorship;
- ANAC membership;
- Accessibility in nursing education;
- Establishment of a Northern Nursing Education Network (NNEN);
- Continuing education; and
- Other initiatives that improve Aboriginal nursing education and promote Aboriginal health equity.
For more information, please contact the College of Nursing Strategist for Outreach and Indigenous Engagement.
