Priorities and partnerships in Indigenous nursing – C.I.N.A.

Marilee Nowgesic has been the executive director of the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association since January 2018 and has more than 25 years of experience working on Indigenous issues. Originally from Thunder Bay, she is a member in good standing with the Fort William First Nation and is an Eagle clan member. Canadian Nurse sat down with her recently to get an update on what her association is working on.

What led you to take on the executive director role with CINA?

I have worked in various capacities for the federal government, private and public sector organizations, national Indigenous associations and non-profits. The knowledge collected in these positions over many years (along with my traditional teachings) is behind my interest in Indigenous health, continuous professional learning and supporting the voice of Indigenous health-care professionals in Canada.

I have several nurses in my family, and a number of my friends also work in various nursing roles. So, my admiration and respect for nurses has been part of my desire to connect continuous learning with knowledge exchange, data collection and corporate affinity partnerships — and to help Indigenous nurses integrate traditional health practices and have these recognized as part of their professional role.

Read More: http://indigenousnurses.ca/news