Widening Circles and Rising Stars
Indigenous Advisory Circle
The School of Nursing Indigenous Cultural Safety Strategic Initiatives Committee (ICSSI), co-chaired by Dr. Margaret Moss and Dr. Helen Brown, invited several participants within and beyond the School of Nursing to join UBC Nursing’s first Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC). The IAC will work with ICSSI to advise across curricula, academic programs, research, faculty learning and external partnerships. The Circle includes a nursing leader in First Nations Health, three Indigenous graduate students, one MSN-NP UBC Alumni, and four Elders who have long-standing and new relationships with our school.
“We would like to show our respect and honour your engagement in this critical work together by hosting a virtual welcome ceremony,” Dr. Brown explained. So, on July 23, 2020, the members of this “important circle of knowledge holders, Indigenous scholars, and nursing leaders” were formally welcomed into their roles.
The IAC discussed terms of reference and each new member recorded a welcome to incoming students for September. The IAC will meet three or four times per year with face-to-face meetings when possible and always with teleconferencing options provided.
New Members of The Indigenous Advisory Circle
Elders
Roberta Price, Coast Salish, Snuneymuxw, and Cowichan Nations
Thelma Stogan, Coast Salish, xwmәθkwәyәým (Musqueam) Nations
Arthur Stogan, Coast Salish, xwmәθkwәyәým Nations
Jeanne Harris
Nursing Leaders
Becky Palmer, Chief Nursing Officer, First Nations Health Authority
Tania Dick, MN-NP, Dzawada’enuxw Nation
Graduate Students
Chloe Crosschild (Iitaapii’tsaanskiakii), Blackfoot, Blood Tribe, (Kainai Nation)
Jessica Key (Kwanxwalagwa), British and Musgamakw, Dzawada’enuxw Nation
Dawn Tisdale, European and Mi’kmaq, Wabanaki Confederacy.
Anti-Racism Task Force
On the heels of a global flashpoint due to anti-Black, anti-Asian, and anti-Indigenous racism, awareness heightened about the systemic racism seemingly embedded in the fabric of our society. Under the leadership of the School of Nursing’s Director, the executive leadership team committed to taking a stand by condemning the structural racism and violence enacted by those in positions of public service, including in law enforcement, in health care, and in universities. Besides, the Canadian Nursing Code of Ethics, challenges nurses to “improve systems and societal structures to create greater equity and better health” (2017).
In the spirit of reaffirming our intentions to transform education, health care, and society—including here at UBC, the SON leadership team hosted a virtual townhall, creating a safe space for listening, reflection and questions. Our Director committed to taking tangible steps towards enacting change, and the Anti Racism Task Force was subsequently established as a working group consisting of faculty, staff and students. Throughout the summer and fall, we have been actively working on teasing out formal Terms of Reference, comprehensive Domains of Action, and specific actionable steps, to make the School of Nursing a more inclusive community where everyone can feel welcome, safe, supported and included.
Natalie Y. Chambers
Applied Science Rising Stars
Two graduates of Nursing’s Master’s in Health Leadership and Policy were featured as Rising Stars by Applied Science. Meet Nikko Asistio and Arlene Singh and read their story.
“What stood out most with this master’s degree was that it was a hybrid program focused on both the clinical components of healthcare and business classes offered through the Sauder School of Business.”