Advancing Indigenous Health Nursing Research, Education and Practice by Mobilizing Indigenous Knowledge and Strengthening Partnerships

Indigenous children are the fastest growing cohort of children in Canada and Indigenous Peoples recognize their knowledge systems are the way forward to support health and healing and for the next generation to thrive. Two-Eyed Seeing is an approach that recognizes the strengths of both Indigenous and western perspectives. As a successful candidate to the Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing, I will use the principles of Two-Eyed Seeing to guide 3 objectives: 1) Advance knowledge about Indigenous health nursing research that will optimize the well-being of children and youth; 2) Advance knowledge in Indigenous health nursing education to seed success, de-colonize curriculum, create culturally safe learning spaces, training and mentorship; 3) Identify and share community knowledge and 'wise practices' to advance Indigenous health nursing practice. As the non-Indigenous academic co-lead of the Aboriginal Children's Hurt and Healing (ACHH) Initiative I have been mentored by communities for over 12 years and fostered meaningful research relationships in Mi'kma'ki. Through relationships with Elders, mentors, partners, and trainees I have been honoured to learn Indigenous ways of knowing and doing necessary to change the course for the next generation of children and youth to thrive. The ACHH Initiative and an extensive list of collaborators and partners have led successful research and knowledge mobilization efforts demonstrating an impact on curriculum, care settings and communities. Building on existing capacity and the strengths of the Dalhousie Nursing program, plus an Indigenous health research-intensive environment, the Chair will create a culture for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners to understand Indigenous history, culture and ways of knowing and doing to provide evidence-based culturally appropriate care to Indigenous children, families and communities.