This initiative is a collaborative effort led by Tajikeimɨk, in partnership with provincial and educational organizations in Nova Scotia, dedicated to increasing Mi’kmaq and Indigenous representation and support for nursing students across the province.
The initiative aimed to create a sustainable, supportive, and safe environment for Mi’kmaq/L’nu nursing students in Nova Scotia’s School of Nursing, fostering cultural understanding and empowering Mi’kmaq/L’nu students in their nursing education.
This included the creation of the Office of L’nu Nursing. Additionally, it emphasizes building a sense of community by connecting and celebrating the successes of many Mi’kmaq nurses across Nova Scotia.
A key focus of the initiative is building a strong sense of community by connecting and celebrating the successes of Mi’kmaq nurses currently working across Nova Scotia. It aims to share the stories of these dedicated nurses who are providing essential care in both community-based and external care settings. By highlighting their contributions, the initiative acknowledges the critical role these nurses play in improving health outcomes for Mi’kmaq and L’nu communities, while also inspiring the next generation of Indigenous healthcare professionals.
Through mentorship, culturally relevant resources, and a network of peers and allies, the initiative empowers Mi’kmaq/L’nu students to thrive in a field that has not always reflected their unique perspectives and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary nursing practices, creating a pathway where Indigenous students can become leaders in healthcare, advocate for their communities, and inspire future generations of Mi’kmaq/L’nu nurses.
OUR GOALS
The L’nu Nursing Initiative was founded by Dawn Googoo, a Mi’kmaw nurse from We’koqma’q First Nation; Jocelyn Vine, former Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nurse Executive at IWK; and Dr. Margot Latimer, the CIHR Chair in Indigenous Health Nursing for Nova Scotia.
Together, they sought to understand the needs and experiences of Mi’kmaq and Indigenous nursing students and professionals in Nova Scotia. Through research, Mi’kmaq nurses’ experiences and their own insights, they recognized the critical need for additional support in nursing programs tailored to Mi’kmaq and Indigenous nursing students.
With the support of the CIHR Chair in Indigenous Health Nursing, they began building relationships with the schools of nursing, provincial health and education departments and the communities. They investigated the impact of implementing support while raising awareness of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous nursing students. Many partnerships were formed across the province, with one crucial piece being the need for a sustainable, Indigenous-led solution governed by the Mi’kmaq people.
A major collaboration with Tajikeimɨk emerged, marking a pivotal step toward advocating for the future of Mi’kmaq and Indigenous nursing.
‘Mawi-Apoqnmatultinej’
“we’ll help each other, together”
This initiative is more than just a structural change—it represents a powerful movement toward self-determination in healthcare. At its core, Tajikeimɨk embodies the vision of the Mi’kmaq people to take control of their health and wellness services, ensuring they reflect the values, traditions, and unique needs of their communities.
Health transformation, as championed by Tajikeimɨk, is about empowering Mi’kmaw individuals and communities to shape their own health journey. It is the process of reclaiming the design, delivery, and management of healthcare services, allowing them to be more culturally responsive, holistic and grounded in Mi’kmaw ways of knowing and being. This transformation aims not only to improve the physical well-being of individuals but also to nurture mental, emotional, and spiritual health—fostering a sense of balance and resilience throughout Mi’kma’ki.
This is about more than healthcare; it’s about building a future where every individual feels seen, heard, and cared for in ways that resonate deeply with their heritage and community.
Tajikeimɨk’s journey is a collective effort, built on the strengths of Mi’kmaw traditions and the aspirations of each community, as they walk together toward a healthier, more vibrant future.
MANY THANKS TO OUR NURSING SHOWCASE SPONSORS
