April 8, 2015 Aboriginal Nurses Day May 11 2015 The Aboriginal

ABORIGINAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
16 CONCOURSE GATE UNIT 600 OTTAWA ON K2E 7S8
Tel.: (613) 724-4677 ● Toll Free: 1-866-724-3049 ● Fax: (613) 724-4718 ● Website: www.anac.on.ca
PRESS RELEASE
Ottawa, ON – April 8, 2015
Aboriginal Nurses Day May 11 2015
The Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada is extremely pleased with the response from its
membership in stating the Indigenous theme for National Nurses Week in Canada May 11 – 16,
2015. Each year, Aboriginal Nurses Day kicks off the week of nursing celebrations in Canada,
falling on May 11th this year. The winning theme is “Indigenous Nursing: Healing Relationships”
submitted by Yvon Lamarche, a 34 year Registered Nurse from Prince Albert, Sk.
Yvon Lamarche shares this important message “It was once said that ‘personhood’ is one of the
tools nurses use in caring for others. As Indigenous nurses our traditions, cultures, languages and
experiences such as the 7 Grandfathers teachings help us to place ourselves within the correct
context for Indigenous nursing”. An inspiring message for all nurses to reflect on, A.N.A.C. invites
your thoughts and messages. Like us on Facebook page too as we honor the work of nurses.
R. Lisa Bourque Bearskin, President of A.N.A.C. goes on to say “We look forward to beginning the
week honoring First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Nurses who contribute to improving Aboriginal
health in Canada”. Indigenous nurses in Canada are instrumental to shaping and shifting the
landscape of our professional responsibilities in working with and for Indigenous peoples in Canada
who are leading and taking responsibility of their own wellness.
The A.N.A.C. staff and board of directors honor each Indigenous Nurse and the gifts of knowledge
and spirit they bring to the nursing profession. Nursing week activities across the country will be
posted on A.N.A.C. website and we invite nurses to share their plans. Please send A.N.A.C. notices
of your events and we will work hard to circulate those to our greater membership.
-30For more information, please call R. Lisa Bourque Bearskin, President, A.N.A.C., at (780) 6909517 or send an e-mail to rlbourque@shaw.ca