Establishing the Office of L’nu Nursing was a monumental task, requiring collaboration among numerous partners and addressing many moving parts.
Grounded in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (2015) Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, this initiative aimed to bridge a significant equity gap in Nova Scotia’s nursing workforce and improve healthcare access for Mi’kmaw and Indigenous peoples.
Below are the key highlights of our five-year journey toward shaping the future of Mi'kmaq and Indigenous nursing in Nova Scotia.
Call To Action 23
We call upon all levels of government to:
1. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health care field.
2. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communities.
3. Provide cultural competency training for all health-care professionals.
2. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communities.
3. Provide cultural competency training for all health-care professionals.
Call To Action 24
We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to:
Require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
0
%of all Canadian health professionals are Indigenous
0
%of the NS population is Mi’kmaq
0
%of Nova Scotia RN’s are First Nation
WHAT WE FOUND
Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia are significantly underrepresented in nursing, revealing a critical gap in culturally safe healthcare. Limited trauma-informed training further amplifies these challenges. Meanwhile, Mi’kmaq nursing students face systemic barriers—such as racism and isolation—underscoring the urgent need for equitable support and greater Indigenous representation.
Underrepresentation
A wide gap exists between Mi’kmaq population numbers in Nova Scotia and Mi’kmaq nurses, underscoring Indigenous underrepresentation in healthcare.
Cultural safety concerns
A shortage of Mi’kmaq nurses can hinder culturally sensitive care, undermining trust, communication, and outcomes for Indigenous patients overall.
Historic Lack of Training
Limited Indigenous-focused training leaves many providers unprepared to deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed care for Mi’kmaq communities.
Challenges for Indigenous students
Indigenous nursing students face systemic racism, cultural barriers, and isolation, making it harder to succeed in healthcare education and practice.
ACTIONS IN MOTION - WHAT WE’VE DONE SO FAR
2019
• CIHR Chair in Indigenous Health Nursing awarded to Dr. Margot Latimer, Dalhousie University
2020
• L’nu nursing student engagements conducted to hear their experiences and identify recommendations for improving learning environments, support systems, and curriculum.
• A small team formed to explore the needs and experiences of Mi’kmaq and Indigenous nursing students and professionals in Nova Scotia.
• A review of research on Indigenous nursing recruitment and retention.
• Comprehensive environmental scan of evidence and resources to strengthen Indigenous nursing initiatives.
• Examination of how Canada’s schools of nursing are addressing the TRC Calls to Action.
• A small team formed to explore the needs and experiences of Mi’kmaq and Indigenous nursing students and professionals in Nova Scotia.
• A review of research on Indigenous nursing recruitment and retention.
• Comprehensive environmental scan of evidence and resources to strengthen Indigenous nursing initiatives.
• Examination of how Canada’s schools of nursing are addressing the TRC Calls to Action.
2021
• The L’nu Nursing Initiative and its lead were established through the CIHR Chair in Indigenous Health Nursing.
• A support system was created to address the current and future needs of L’nu nursing students.
• Engagement with Nova Scotia Schools of Nursing to collaborate on improvements for student support.
• Relationship-building with L’nu nursing students, L’nu communities, educational institutions, and provincial organizations.
• A safe and culturally supportive space was created for Indigenous nursing students at Dalhousie.
• Investigating and addressing ongoing needs of L’nu nursing students across Nova Scotia.
• Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy granted copyright licensing for the L’nu Nursing logo.
• The L’nu Trail Blaze Mi’kmaw Nursing Pathway was created using the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing's framework to address the TRC Calls to Action.
• A support system was created to address the current and future needs of L’nu nursing students.
• Engagement with Nova Scotia Schools of Nursing to collaborate on improvements for student support.
• Relationship-building with L’nu nursing students, L’nu communities, educational institutions, and provincial organizations.
• A safe and culturally supportive space was created for Indigenous nursing students at Dalhousie.
• Investigating and addressing ongoing needs of L’nu nursing students across Nova Scotia.
• Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy granted copyright licensing for the L’nu Nursing logo.
• The L’nu Trail Blaze Mi’kmaw Nursing Pathway was created using the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing's framework to address the TRC Calls to Action.
2022
• Strengthened relationships with current and future L’nu Nursing students.
• The Tajikeimɨk Partnership was formed to collaborate on sustainable and transformative solutions for L’nu nursing students.
• The L’nu Nursing Initiative joined the Provincial Nursing Network (PNN).
• Vision created for the Office of L’nu Nursing.
• Indigenous Nursing Student Success Survey Project content developed and tested with Indigenous nursing students.
• Presented the work of the Lnu nursing initiative at the APC Atlantic First Nations Health Conference.
• The L’nu Nursing Initiative successfully secured urgent financial support through the PNN.
• A proposal to showcase Mi’kmaq Nursing was approved by the NS Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment Community Fund.
• A proposal to fund the L’nu Nursing Data Project was successfully approved by Advanced Education.
• Development work for Trauma-Informed Schools of Nursing initiated.
• With the support of provincial partners, a federal grant was proposed to fund the creation of the Office of L’nu Nursing, but was not approved.
• Attended the Healthcare Recruitment & Retention Community Conference in Halifax.
• The Tajikeimɨk Partnership was formed to collaborate on sustainable and transformative solutions for L’nu nursing students.
• The L’nu Nursing Initiative joined the Provincial Nursing Network (PNN).
• Vision created for the Office of L’nu Nursing.
• Indigenous Nursing Student Success Survey Project content developed and tested with Indigenous nursing students.
• Presented the work of the Lnu nursing initiative at the APC Atlantic First Nations Health Conference.
• The L’nu Nursing Initiative successfully secured urgent financial support through the PNN.
• A proposal to showcase Mi’kmaq Nursing was approved by the NS Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment Community Fund.
• A proposal to fund the L’nu Nursing Data Project was successfully approved by Advanced Education.
• Development work for Trauma-Informed Schools of Nursing initiated.
• With the support of provincial partners, a federal grant was proposed to fund the creation of the Office of L’nu Nursing, but was not approved.
• Attended the Healthcare Recruitment & Retention Community Conference in Halifax.
2023
• Established a working partnership with Nova Scotia’s L’nu Nursing Strategy.
• The CASN Educational Framework for Addressing the TRC Calls to Action in Schools of Nursing Webinar Series was conducted by CIHR Chairs.
• Research Ethics Board and Mi'kmaw Ethics Watch approved the Indigenous Nursing Student Success Survey Project.
• Attended the International Council of Nurses and the Canadian Nurses Association conference in Montreal.
• Partnered to inform the initial development of the Trauma-Informed School of Nursing Pathway.
• Presented the work of the L’nu Nursing Initiative at the Krembil UHN International Nursing Conference, Toronto.
• A provincial grant was successfully proposed to fund the creation of the Office of L’nu Nursing, marking a significant milestone in supporting L’nu nursing students and professionals.
• The CASN Educational Framework for Addressing the TRC Calls to Action in Schools of Nursing Webinar Series was conducted by CIHR Chairs.
• Research Ethics Board and Mi'kmaw Ethics Watch approved the Indigenous Nursing Student Success Survey Project.
• Attended the International Council of Nurses and the Canadian Nurses Association conference in Montreal.
• Partnered to inform the initial development of the Trauma-Informed School of Nursing Pathway.
• Presented the work of the L’nu Nursing Initiative at the Krembil UHN International Nursing Conference, Toronto.
• A provincial grant was successfully proposed to fund the creation of the Office of L’nu Nursing, marking a significant milestone in supporting L’nu nursing students and professionals.
2024
• Presented grant proposal at the National Gathering of Graduate Students, Membertou, NS.
• Presented the work of the L’nu Nursing Initiative at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, Calgary.
• The Indigenous Nursing Student Success Survey pilot was conducted with L’nu Nursing students.
• Produced videos to celebrate Mi’kmaq nursing: L'nu Nursing: Living Legacies & Dream Team.
• Presented updates on the Mi’kmaq Nursing Showcase at the Healthcare Recruitment & Retention Community Conference, Truro, NS.
• Presented the future of the Office of L’nu Nursing at the Health Transformation Leadership Forum, Halifax, NS.
• Development and establishment of the Office of L’nu Nursing.
• The Director of the Office of L'nu Nursing was hired by Tajikeimik.
• Nova Scotia’s Schools of Nursing signed a partnership to support the work of the Office of L’nu Nursing.
• Three Mi’kmaq/Indigenous Nurse Education Specialists (MINES) were hired to work alongside the Schools of Nursing.
• Panelist at the Third National Anti-Racism Summit with the Canadian Nurses Association.
• Initial findings of the Indigenous Nursing Student Success Survey Project presented at the Indigenous Nursing Research for Health Equity Summit, New Zealand.
• Presented the work of the L’nu Nursing Initiative at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, Calgary.
• The Indigenous Nursing Student Success Survey pilot was conducted with L’nu Nursing students.
• Produced videos to celebrate Mi’kmaq nursing: L'nu Nursing: Living Legacies & Dream Team.
• Presented updates on the Mi’kmaq Nursing Showcase at the Healthcare Recruitment & Retention Community Conference, Truro, NS.
• Presented the future of the Office of L’nu Nursing at the Health Transformation Leadership Forum, Halifax, NS.
• Development and establishment of the Office of L’nu Nursing.
• The Director of the Office of L'nu Nursing was hired by Tajikeimik.
• Nova Scotia’s Schools of Nursing signed a partnership to support the work of the Office of L’nu Nursing.
• Three Mi’kmaq/Indigenous Nurse Education Specialists (MINES) were hired to work alongside the Schools of Nursing.
• Panelist at the Third National Anti-Racism Summit with the Canadian Nurses Association.
• Initial findings of the Indigenous Nursing Student Success Survey Project presented at the Indigenous Nursing Research for Health Equity Summit, New Zealand.
The L'nu Nursing Logo
Mi'kmaw artist Alan Syliboy graciously granted us permission to use his beautiful butterfly design.
The butterfly holds deep meaning, symbolizing transformation, resilience, and hope—values that resonate strongly with our journey and purpose.
We are honoured to carry his artwork forward, weaving its significance into our shared story.
The butterfly is a sacred figure in many Indigenous cultures, representing Mother Earth. It symbolizes health, longevity, protection, fertility, healing, wisdom, and spirituality. When the butterfly spirit guide appears to you, it’s time to slow down. It asks that you stay true to your path. Call on this spirit when it is time to reconnect with the Creator.– Alan Syliboy