The Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (A.N.A.C.) and the University of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing signed a Memorandum of Understanding

October 5, 2014

The Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (A.N.A.C.) and the University of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to formalize a collaborative agreement in the area of Aboriginal nursing education.

The signing took place at the A.N.A.C. national forum, which was held over the weekend in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Representing ANAC was President Lisa Bourque-Bearskin:  “We see many opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan.  With their large numbers of Aboriginal nursing students, there are obvious links in areas such as mentorship and promotion of involvement and membership in A.N.A.C.“

Dr. Lorna Butler, Dean of the College of Nursing, highlighted the collaboration that has already begun on a Northern Nursing Education Network: “Like us, a number of institutions across the country have offered northern, community-based nursing programs to improve accessibility.  Working with A.N.A.C., we want to be sure we’re delivering culturally safe and context-relevant nursing education.”

Five University of Saskatchewan students, from Regina, Saskatoon and La Ronge campuses, were in attendance to witness the signing.

The MOU seeks to promote cooperation in six areas:

• Mentorship;
• A.N.A.C. membership;
• Accessibility in nursing education;
• Establishment of a Northern Nursing Education Network (NNEN);
• Mutually beneficial and relevant continuing education; and
• Other initiatives that improve Aboriginal nursing education and promote Aboriginal health equity.