The Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) publishes a statement that seeks to counter systemic racism in the health care provided to members of First Nations and Inuit.
The purpose of the position statement is to promote a nursing practice that promotes humility, cultural security and the promotion of partnership and trusting relationships. It also suggests courses of action to counter systemic and individual racism.
The president of the OIIQ, Luc Mathieu, explains that the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Joyce Echaquan, which occurred at the Joliette hospital a little over a year ago, sounded the death knell for insidious racism. He affirms that from now on, it is necessary to promote the professional responsibility to intervene each time when there are attitudes, gestures, words or inactions which undermine the dignity of the person and obstruct his right to receive the care that he needs. ‘she deserves.
The Order undertakes to set up a working group made up of Aboriginals, in particular, to monitor the impact of the actions resulting from this statement. It also intends to strengthen the constitution of its various committees reflecting diversity, in particular membership of an indigenous community.
The Order also wants to ask its Professional Examination Committee to consider the assessment of knowledge related to cultural safety in the professional examination.
In addition, the OIIQ will establish training activities with members of the First Nations and Inuit to develop cultural safety skills.
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