BCNU Celebrates Indigenous Nurses Day

April 10th is Indigenous Nurses Day. This day is an invitation for us all to reimagine the history of the nursing profession and raise awareness of the Indigenous knowledge, leadership and care practices that have often been overshadowed by dominant narratives centred on colonial figures and perspectives. 

This date marks the birth, in 1890, of Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture, Canada’s first Indigenous nurse, who was obliged to pursue her nursing education in the US after being denied entry to Canadian programs due to racist, colonial policies. Recognizing Monture and other Indigenous nurses offers us an opportunity to honour their profound contributions to nursing and the health and well-being of our communities. We are grateful for their care, skill, wisdom and guidance as we collectively strive towards creating a more culturally safe health-care system for all of us. 

Today, the union is honoured to acknowledge and celebrate Monture’s contributions along with those of Indigenous BCNU members whose work and legacy continues to shape the profession and strengthen communities:  

• Lily Ned is a respected nurse leader from the Upper Nicola Band and a founding member of the Indigenous Leadership Circle. Born on Coldwater Reserve, she overcame the impacts of residential school and systemic barriers to pursue nursing. After graduating from Cariboo College in 1989, she worked in acute and long-term care before returning to her community as a home care nurse–where she infused her more than 20 years of culturally safe, nursing care with traditional ways of knowing and healing. 

• Patrick Thomas began his career in Winnipeg and continued in Vancouver. He has contributed to nursing practice across hospital and community settings, including work as a detox services supervisor, where he helped shape care protocols and approaches. A founding Indigenous Leadership Circle member, his work reflects leadership, mentorship and advocacy. 

• Elder June Shackley is a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation and residential school survivor. She dedicated over 30 years to nursing and is a highly respected ILC Elder. She continues to support healing and wellness as an Elder and cultural support worker, grounding her work in lived experience and cultural knowledge. 

• Tania Dick is from the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation. She is recognized for her leadership within BCNU and beyond. As the Indigenous Leadership Circle’s first chair, she was instrumental in securing collective agreement language that affirms the work of Indigenous cultural safety. Her leadership continues to influence how care is delivered across systems, particularly in Indigenous and rural communities. 

Advancing Indigenous Inclusion in Health Care 

BCNU is committed to the principles of truth and reconciliation, cultural safety and Indigenous-specific anti-racism. This commitment is reflected in Article 2 of the Nurses’ Bargaining Association provincial collective agreement, which the union negotiated with the provincial government and health employers in 2023. Indigenous union members led the Article 2 negotiating team. This Indigenous Nurses Day, take time to read Article 2 and reflect on your role in upholding these commitments.

Promoting Indigenous Student Nurse Education

The BCNU Indigenous Student Nurse Education Bursary (ISNEB) reflects the union’s commitment to advancing reconciliation and supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action to increase the number of Indigenous professionals in health care. This annual $1,500 award is open to Indigenous student members including employed student nurses, and internationally educated nurse (IEN) associate members. The application deadline is April 15, 2026.

The ISNEB is inspired by Indigenous nurse leaders. Each year, the BCNU Indigenous Leadership Circle (ILC) dedicates the bursary to an individual in whose name the bursary is awarded. In 2026, the ILC is delighted to name Tania Dick – ILC founding chair.

CFNU Webinar: Honouring Indigenous Nurses Day 

The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions is hosting a live webinar on April 10 at 9 a.m. PT to honour Indigenous nurse leaders and shed light on how we can all work to uphold Indigenous rights and decolonize health care on the path to reconciliation. The session features Terri Monture, granddaughter of Edith Monture, the first documented Indigenous RN in Canada. Register today.

About Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture

Born on April 10,1890 on the Six Nations Grand River Reserve, Monture graduated top of her class in 1914 and served overseas during the First World War before returning home to care for her community as a nurse and midwife. She showed resilience, excellence and a deep commitment to community care.