BCNU Honours National Indigenous Peoples Day

BCNU marks National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 by celebrating the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples to our union, communities and health-care system. The union reaffirms its commitment to redressing the harms of colonization and advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action, which include increasing the number of Indigenous health professionals.

The Indigenous Student Nurse Education Bursary (ISNEB) and Indigenous Member Bursary (IMB) are part of the union’s efforts to retain and increase the number of Indigenous nurses. BCNU is pleased to congratulate Madison Thomas as the 2026 ISNEB recipient.

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 bursary is inspired by Indigenous nurse leaders, and each year the ILC recognizes an individual by dedicating the bursary to them. For 2026, the ILC recognizes the contributions and leadership of Tania Dick, a registered nurse from the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation in Kingcome Inlet, BC. Read more about Thomas and Dick.

BCNU is also pleased to announce the following 2026 Indigenous Member Bursary (IMB) recipients:

• Alicia Pongracz
• Robyn Rasmussen
• Joni Schootstra

Article 2 of the Nurses’ Bargaining Association collective agreement states that our work is grounded in listening and learning from Indigenous Peoples and communities. Despite the roadmap provided by Indigenous Peoples, the majority of the 94 Calls to Action, 231 Calls for Justice and 24 In Plain Sight report’s recommendations remain unfulfilled. BCNU is committed to continually educating ourselves, employing a self-reflective practice and providing culturally safe care, while speaking out to challenge all forms of anti-Indigenous racism.

Find out more about BCNU bursaries available to members and read about BCNU’s work towards Truth and Reconciliation.