Fostering A Relationship Agreement Imbedded in Truth and Reconciliation: Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) and Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) Form a Relationship

Posted on May 6, 2024

The Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) and the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) are pleased to share that both have come together to form a new relationship agreement. This agreement will elevate the importance of Indigenous health in Indigenous hands and uphold Indigenous representation as its priority. At the heart of this relationship is the intention to apply an Indigenous lens during the decision-making process and for RNAO to utilize and guide its work towards the path of truth and reconciliation. 

On May 16, RNAO and IPHCC signed an agreement for IPHCC to provide an Indigenous lens to RNAO’s governance and decision-making processes. IPHCC will also introduce a Knowledge Holder as a member of RNAO’s board of directors. The Knowledge Holder will provide wisdom with teachings in a way that will guide this partnership in the light of truth and reconciliation. 

Driving Change in Nurse Leadership by Applying an Indigenous Lens 

Since 1925, RNAO has been representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students in Ontario and advocating for health equity. RNAO’s foundation is based on developing collaborations on a provincial and national level with Indigenous groups, organizations, and best Practice Spotlight Organizations (BPSO) to guide their Indigenous Health Program. At the core of their organizational belief is to form an inclusive health care experience for First Nations, Inuit and Métis People’s, which includes culturally safer care. By partnering with IPHCC, RNAO aims to develop joint initiatives that will advance Indigenous health priorities and improve the negative impact left by the doctrine of colonialism on the mental health and well-being of FNIM Peoples.  

Planning for the future of Indigenous Health: Paving an Indigenous-led Pathway for Ontario Nurses 

Moving forward, IPHCC and RNAO plan to carry this partnership successfully by working hand-in-hand with each other and by building a foundation that is imbedded within the following: Indigenous-lens in decision-making processes, practices that are culturally safer, and working together to advance Indigenous health priorities while addressing the negative impact of colonialism on FNIM Peoples. Moreover, both organizations are thrilled for this new partnership and look forward to the excitement of driving new change and providing an Indigenous lens for the Nurses of Ontario who are affiliated with RNAO. By committing to this goal, both IPHCC and RNAO aim to putting Indigenous health in Indigenous hands.