Tomorrow – June 21 – is
National Aboriginal Day in Canada.
This is a significant
date, a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage,
diverse cultures and special contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis
peoples in Canada. As nurses and health-care professionals, please join with ONA
in marking National Aboriginal Day 2017.
As a leader in human
rights and equity issues that impact not just our members, but all members of
society, ONA is committed to advocating for access to high-quality health care
for all.
We know there are
shocking discrepancies in the access to and quality of care of our First Nations
peoples, and we know we must continue to advocate for healthcare for all.
We must ensure access to
treatment in remote, rural parts of this country. And we must continue to fight
to build education programs, and to educate nurses, for people on
reserves.
Just two weeks ago,
members of ONA joined Canada’s nurses in Calgary for the CFNU Biennial
Convention, and issued a public call to close the gaps between non-indigenous
and First Nations health care.
As Canada marks the
summer solstice – a day of cultural significance for many Aboriginal peoples and
communities – ONA encourages all members to pause and celebrate the unique
history and the role of First Nations people.
For those who can, attend
a National Aboriginal Day event, such as Toronto’s Annual Sunrise Ceremony. For
a list of ceremonies, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/celebrate-canada-days/aboriginal-day/activities.html. To learn more about
ONA’s work on human rights and equity issues, and for resources including
posters for National Aboriginal Day, visit ONA's
website at https://www.ona.org/news-posts/national-aboriginal-day-2017/.
Please join with me in
celebrating the knowledge and wisdom of our First Nations peoples, and
Aboriginal members of ONA, on this special day.
In
solidarity,
Linda Haslam-Stroud,
RN
ONA
President
