The national apology to Indigenous Peoples on behalf of Canada's nurses
As one of the country’s influential spokespersons of health care, it is CFNU’s duty and responsibility to uphold reconciliation and safety for Indigenous people in our care.
On June 3rd, 2025, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) apologised to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples for the harms Indigenous Peoples have faced historically and currently face in health care.
CFNU President Linda Silas began the apology by paying respects to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Knowledge Holders and Elders of the past, present and emerging. Joined by the CFNU’s National Executive Board, Silas spoke to nearly 1,200 union nurses about the harms Indigenous people have faced historically and currently face in care and about CFNU’s commitment to doing better. They spoke to colonization and health care, the withholding of care, the realities of Indian hospitals, forced sterilizations and the recognition that racism continues to threaten Indigenous patient safety. The CFNU thanks teacher and facilitator Rose LeMay and the Indigenous Nurse Advisory Committee members, who provided direction and advice.
We recognize that this apology may reopen wounds and memories for First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities who have experienced harms in the health care system. For anyone seeking additional or alternative support, please use this list of culturally safe resources:
THE INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL CRISIS LINE: 1-866-925-4419 The crisis line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of a residential school experience.
HOPE FOR WELLNESS HELPLINE: 1-855-242-3310, OR CHAT ONLINE AT HOPEFORWELLNESS.CA The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada in the following languages: Ojibway, Cree, Inuktut, English and French. They provide 24/7 culturally grounded assessment, referrals, counselling and support in times of crisis, including suicide intervention.
SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: CALL OR TEXT 9-8-8 (TOLL-FREE) The Suicide Crisis Helpline provides a safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This service is available in English and French.
The apology was delivered at the opening of the 22nd biennial convention of the CFNU in Niagara Falls, ON, on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Anishinaabe and the traditional territory of the Hatiwendaronk and Haudenosaunee, and shared publicly via livestream.
“An apology is only one step. It must be followed by action. The CFNU knows that we are accountable for our actions, and we are committed to doing the best we can towards reconciliation. We recognize that we hold power in the health care system, and we are committed to standing up for Indigenous Peoples’ safety and inclusion.”
– Linda Silas, CFNU President
Action plan for reconciliation This apology is the first step in the CFNU’s journey of reconciliation, but it does not stop there. At the 22nd biennial convention of the CFNU, close to 1,200 union members committed the organization to concrete efforts to address racism against Indigenous patients in the health care system in passing a resolution to immediately start work to meaningfully contribute to reconciliation, while being accountable to Indigenous Peoples and to members.
Susan’s story Susan is a nurse and member of the Ontario Nurses' Association working at a hospital in Ontario. She became a nurse to help others and ensure that Indigenous patients are listened to and get the care they deserve.
Susan is a Sixties Scoop survivor whose birth parents were from Moose Cree First Nations. Susan shares her story, and her experiences with anti-Indigenous racism as both a patient and nurse.
Marla’s story
Marla is a nurse of 25 years and now works for the Manitoba Nurses Union as a Labour Relations Officer. In this role she helps Indigenous member nurses to navigate difficult situations and advocates on their behalf.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, Marla is Cree and Trinidadian. Marla shares her story, and her experiences with anti-Indigenous racism in nursing.
On May 21, 2025, the CFNU hosted a live learning event on historical knowledge necessary for reconciliation and how to be good partners with Indigenous Peoples.
Rose LeMay led the session. Rose is Tlingit from the West Coast and the CEO of the Indigenous Reconciliation Group.
On June 3, 2025, the CFNU hosted an Indigenous Health Panel to accompany the launch of the Beyond Equity: Taking Action to Address Indigenous-Specific Racism in Nursing report, moderated by Rose LeMay.The panel brought together four Indigenous health care leaders: Dr. Alika Lafontaine, Dawn Googoo, Kerri Nuku and Candi DeSousa.
Design note The hummingbird artwork used on this webpage and in the Beyond Equity: Taking Action to Address Indigenous-Specific Racism in Nursing report was designed by Vincent Design Inc., an Indigenous-led creative agency based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This visual celebrates and honours Indigenous nurses, recognizing their sacred role as leaders, helpers and healers who carry traditional knowledge into modern nursing practices. The heart berry, a sacred medicine, symbolizes connection – mind, body and spirit – and gently reminds us of the importance of reconciliation, balance and kindness in our relationships and lives. The beading represents identity, history, storytelling and resilience – each bead, like each nurse, carrying stories of strength, care and continuity for future generations. A hummingbird, the bringer of joy and a sacred messenger of the spirits, embodies the compassionate care nurses provide – balancing modern medicine with traditional wisdom, offering care that uplifts both body and spirit.
