College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Delivers Public Apology to First Nations, Inuit and Métis

WINNIPEG – Today, in the presence of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Elders, Knowledge Keepers, nurses, and community members, the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (College) delivered a formal public apology to First Nations, Inuit and Métis for its role in the systemic discrimination and generational harms that were and continue to be experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis in health care.

“It is that spirit of reconciliation and collaboration that has brought us together here today,” said Deb Elias, CEO/Registrar. “As we began work as an organization to understand how and to what extent the College could contribute to advancing reconciliation within the context of its regulatory mandate, it was clear that we had a great deal of learning to do, and that we would have to face some uncomfortable truths.”

As the largest health care profession in Manitoba, registered nurses have been part of the problem and must be part of the solution in ensuring safe care for everyone who accesses care in our province. The College also had and continues to have a role in the systemic discrimination and generational harms that were and continue to be experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis in health care.

“We know we can and must do better, and today’s apology marks an important step in that journey towards meaningful action supporting reconciliation,” said Elias. “We also recognize that meaningful apologies must be accompanied by action. The College stands ready to move forward to do just that. Our reconciliation journey did not begin today, and stretches out in front of us through generations, for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows.”

The College formed an Indigenous Advisory Group last fall to facilitate the collaborative development of its reconciliation action plan, which it will deliver and begin implementing by the end of 2026. This will work will be underpinned by the College’s continued commitment to broaden and deepen its relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis nurses, organizations, and communities.

The College would also like to thank First Nations Elder Frances Desjarlais and Knowledge Keeper Rose Hart, Inuit Knowledge Keeper Dolly Tinashlu and throat singers Chastity Swan and Aleatra Summartok, and Métis Elder Louise Lavallee for leading those in attendance in ceremony today and for the gift of their knowledge, wisdom, and cultural teachings.

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For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

Martin Lussier
Manager of Communications & Public Engagement
204-789-0662
mlussier@crnm.mb.ca

 

Additional resources:

Public Apology (Full Text) and Livestream Recording

CRNM commitment to a journey of learning and reconciliation in registered nursing regulation