BCNU Acknowledges National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a time to honour and celebrate the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples to our union, our communities, and our health-care system. It is also an invitation to renew our commitment to reconciliation – as treaty peoples – while learning more about the many forms of Indigenous resurgence against settler colonialism.
On the occasion of the day, BCNU is pleased to congratulate Erin Hansen as the 2024 Indigenous Student Nurse Education Bursary (ISNEB) recipient. Hansen is in her third year of study in the University of the Fraser Valley’s RN program.
The ISNEB is an initiative of the BCNU Indigenous Leadership Circle (ILC) and is open to Indigenous BCNU student members studying to become nurses. The ISNEB is inspired by Indigenous nurse leaders. Each year, the ILC dedicates an individual in whose name the bursary is awarded. For 2024, the ILC is delighted to name Vancouver nurse Patrick Thomas. Read more about Hansen and Thomas.
BCNU is also pleased to announce the five 2024 Indigenous Member Bursary (IMB) recipients:
- Paige Gidney
- Elizebeth Lawhead
- Lauren Penner
- Nikkia-Raeven Rideout-Olsen
- Maylaiza Rookes
The ISNEB and IMB reflect BCNU's ongoing support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action, which includes the call to increase the number of Indigenous professionals in health care.
The provincial government’s November 2020 report, In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous Specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Health Care echoes the call to action raised by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The report made it clear that BC needs more Indigenous nurses to help foster a culture of safety in our health-care system.
Find out more about BCNU bursaries available to members, read about BCNU’s work towards Truth and Reconciliation, and learn about Indigenous resurgence.