ABORIGINAL NURSES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA 16 CONCOURSE GATE UNIT 600 OTTAWA ON K2E 7S8 Tel.: (613) 724-4677 ● Toll Free: 1-866-724-3049 ● Fax: (613) 724-4718 ● Website: www.anac.on.ca PRESS RELEASE Ottawa, ON – April 8, 2015 Aboriginal Nurses Day May 11 2015 The Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada is extremely pleased with the response from its membership in stating the Indigenous theme for National Nurses Week in Canada May 11 – 16, 2015. Each year, Aboriginal Nurses Day kicks off the week of nursing celebrations in Canada, falling on May 11th this year. The winning theme is “Indigenous Nursing: Healing Relationships” submitted by Yvon Lamarche, a 34 year Registered Nurse from Prince Albert, Sk. Yvon Lamarche shares this important message “It was once said that ‘personhood’ is one of the tools nurses use in caring for others. As Indigenous nurses our traditions, cultures, languages and experiences such as the 7 Grandfathers teachings help us to place ourselves within the correct context for Indigenous nursing”. An inspiring message for all nurses to reflect on, A.N.A.C. invites your thoughts and messages. Like us on Facebook page too as we honor the work of nurses. R. Lisa Bourque Bearskin, President of A.N.A.C. goes on to say “We look forward to beginning the week honoring First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Nurses who contribute to improving Aboriginal health in Canada”. Indigenous nurses in Canada are instrumental to shaping and shifting the landscape of our professional responsibilities in working with and for Indigenous peoples in Canada who are leading and taking responsibility of their own wellness. The A.N.A.C. staff and board of directors honor each Indigenous Nurse and the gifts of knowledge and spirit they bring to the nursing profession. Nursing week activities across the country will be posted on A.N.A.C. website and we invite nurses to share their plans. Please send A.N.A.C. notices of your events and we will work hard to circulate those to our greater membership. -30For more information, please call R. Lisa Bourque Bearskin, President, A.N.A.C., at (780) 6909517 or send an e-mail to [email protected]