On Sept. 30, Canadians pause to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and honour Survivors, their families and the children who never returned home. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is both a time of remembrance and a call to action.
At the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA), we recognize the responsibility we share as a regulatory body to advance reconciliation within health care. Registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are trusted members of communities across Alberta, and our work must be grounded in cultural safety, humility and respect for Indigenous Peoples.
This year, the CRNA has taken an important step forward with the approval of our A Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Framework. The framework outlines our commitment to embed equity principles into our governance, policies and regulatory practices. It also guides us in building respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities, with the aim of addressing barriers to safe, inclusive care.
"The EDIA Framework is a foundation for action. It strengthens our role as a regulator by ensuring equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility guide how we regulate and protect the public."
- Joy Peacock, CEO and Registrar, College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the voices and experiences of Indigenous Peoples and reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation. Looking forward, we will continue to learn from Indigenous communities, strengthen our partnerships and ensure our regulatory work reflects truth, respect and equity.
We encourage our registrants and Albertans to take time to reflect, learn and engage with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, particularly those relating to health. Together, we can help build a future where reconciliation is not only spoken, but lived.