Reshaping Policies to Achieve a Strategic Plan for Indigenous Engagement in Nursing Education

Abstract

Canadian universities are developing strategies to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action. There has been much attention paid to the positivist, individualistic and Eurocentric foundations of nursing and its educational curricula, but limited focus on assessing organizational structures or engaging with stakeholders. Without both approaches, the success of new initiatives may be limited. The College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan implemented a "Learn Where You Live" model that demonstrated a sense of place by providing access and opportunity in rural, remote and northern regions of the province. Key to this initiative was the creation of the position of Strategist for Outreach and Indigenous Engagement, whose role it is to develop strategic initiatives designed to interpret and influence socio-political and policy-level system changes. This paper shares how adding a political scientist to nursing education created an interprofessional team by introducing new ways of thinking and being that have cultural relevance and understanding for a sustainable future.