Reconciling Taking the “Indian” Out of the Nurse

Abstract

Currently, we are faced with an important equity gap and opportunity for nursing in higher education related to Indigenous Peoples and health. While Westernized higher education often marginalizes Indigenous Peoples, there is an important opportunity to respectfully engage with Indigenous Knowledges. Furthermore, broadening perspectives beyond a dominant Westernized worldview has the potential to advance higher education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners alike. We are concerned that ongoing assimilation of Indigenous learners poses a profound risk of social injustice that is contrary to the aim of higher education. In our effort to reconcile nursing education in this context, we offer this discussion paper of scholarly and grey literature interwoven with story work by Indigenous nursing students regarding their undergraduate experiences in the academy. Two significant interrelated gaps/opportunities are revealed: enactment of cultural safety and respectful engagement with Indigenous Knowledges. Action strategies include heart-mind knowledge connection, contextual learning, and two-way teaching and learning. It is our hope that this discussion will inspire critical conversations and meaningful action for educators to reconcile higher education and address structural racism. While reconciliation may be viewed as a duty in higher education and society, we further recognize it as a natural fit within the caring ethos of nursing.