NANAINA Newsletter
2001 Newsletter
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Summit VII September 23-25, 2001 "Traditions, Practice, and Leadership: Bridging to the 21st Century" Alyeska
Prince Hotel, 40 miles south of Anchorage, Alaska |
Lea Bill, RN (Rippling Water Woman) Keynote Speaker at Summit VI |
| [Lea Bill is a member of the Pelican Lake Cree Nation and a past president of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, 1992-1998.]Lea Bill presented her remarks according to the Medicine Wheel framework, as she understands it. She utilized the four elements in depicting the driving forces of Native (Indigenous) Nurses in the past, present and future. Lea Bill's address will be shared in NANAINA's Nursing Notes, in a four part series: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. |
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Earth “Earth, the Medicine Wheel we exist in as human beings. Earth is often placed diagrammatically in the west of the Medicine Wheel. It is the storehouse of all life knowledge as we know it on this plain. In all indigenous teachings there is some aspect of sacred relationship with the Earth. This information has been relayed to the present in art, stories, spiritual practice, ceremony, songs, structures, ceremonial dress and clothing. Earth as a Medicine Wheel contains all the knowledge and information for life process not only from the past, but also the untapped knowledge of the future. The potentiality of human kind contained within the wisdom of the Earth is therefore limitless. When we look at the concept of what the Earth means to each of us as individuals who are linked to a culture/system of understanding, it provides us with a pathway to begin expressing the knowledge. It also provides us with a potential to tap into the knowledge that has been left by others or contained within other systems of creation. The Earth energy is a feminine entity or the Great Grandmother of all living things. She is sustaining, passive, introverted, reflecting, receiving, soft, dark, emotive, wet, subjective, and pulling (gravity). Based on this understanding, Earth then is in every living thing as an energy. As a circle, it is representative of the “Great Mother Spirit” containing all at the physical level. How then do we link this concept to nursing? In my view, the Earth reflects to us a combination of the past but also the wisdom we have contained within each of our cultures and way of life. It also has within this cosmos the infinite wisdom we have not yet tapped into, leaving us limitless opportunity to create and build upon the existing knowledge in the application to nursing practice. Therefore, there is a need to be conscious about not limiting the practice to that which is known today but to move and change with the ever-expanding consciousness of humanity. The origin of Nursing practice as we know it today is linked to war rather than the Indigenous concept of Nursing. This becomes more obvious when we compare our knowing of a health care system to the system in which Nursing care is delivered today. Nursing organizations credit Florence Nightingale for the inception of Nursing as a result of her work in the Crimean War. Indigenous peoples referred to their health care professionals as Medicine Women and Medicine Men. Nursing as a profession is very new in comparison to the way of life and healing systems of the Indigenous peoples. It was during the mid 1800’s that “Nursing” began to form its identity as a profession in the caring of the sick and injured. The Nursing profession is very much a result of historical wars rather than the holistic community health and wellness concept that Indigenous people often speak of in health program development and health care delivery. Nightingale is remembered for her education-based knowledge, her work during the Crimean war and how it subsequently influenced the education of future Nurses. While Indigenous peoples were fighting to keep their health systems and way of life intact, Ms. Nightingale was attempting to teach the people she was servicing the basic principles of cleanliness and how it related to healing and regaining health. Indigenous peoples around the world were highly knowledgeable of these principles and practiced them in their way of life.” Lea Bill, RN, Traditional Cree Practitioner September 23, 2000, Keynote Address, Summit VI Back to Top |
NANAINA Nurse Spotlight: Vivian Carlson, RN, BSN |
Article originally published by "The View", University of Eau Claire; Submitted by Pat Boyles, RN BSN, Sparta Wisconsin. Vivian Carlson answered many calls from college recruiters when her daughter, Tiffany, was in high school. When University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire recruiters called describing their American Indian Nursing program, it sounded so attractive that Vivian asked if they might be interested in talking with her since her daughter had made other plans. Despite being nervous after a nearly 30-year break from school, Vivian enrolled in UW-Eau Claire's program and in 1998 earned her nursing degree. In February 1999, she went to work as a clinic nurse for the HoChunk Health Care Center in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. In her role as clinic nurse, Carlson is responsible for the initial screenings of all patients and assesses walk-in patients. She triages patients and helps identify health concerns other than those mentioned by the patient. "I love my job," Carlson said, noting that about 30 percent of the clinic's patients are children, and many others are elderly who struggle with illnesses such as diabetes and cardiac problems. "I feel very challenged. I never know what the day will bring. Basically, all the things I learned in nursing school come into play. The skills and knowledge I acquired prepared me well to provide excellent care to the community I serve." Carlson said she's so excited about the field of nursing that she is anxious to continue her education, perhaps someday becoming a family nurse practitioner or working in nursing management. The HoChunk community has been generous, allowing her to attend workshops and classes to help her continue to learn. "Whatever the position I move to in the future, I will be serving a Native community in some way," Carlson, a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, said of her future career goals. "The HoChunk community has accepted me." Carlson said she feels at home in her current position because it's important for Native communities to have Indian health care providers. Often the doctors and nurses who serve those communities do so for only a short time before moving on to more lucrative opportunities. "But Native doctors and nurses often go to school with the intent to serve their people for the rest of their lives," Carlson said. American Indian health care providers can offer additional help to their patients, such as referring to their Native beliefs, reminding them to call on the Great Spirit for help, for example, to calm them during a crisis, Carlson said. It is important to all minority populations that health care providers provide Western medicine while acknowledging cultural beliefs and traditions that might be important to the patient, she said. As a nursing student, Carlson made it a priority to take classes that helped her better understand other cultures and how to better interact with populations different from her own. While Carlson is proud of her educational and career accomplishments, she said she never forgets that it is only because of the help and support of others that she is working in the health care field, something she wanted to do since she was a young woman. "A Federal program and UW-Eau Claire made it possible to earn a degree. And when I was at UW-Eau Claire, I took advantage of tutors, the study groups and anything else they offered that would help me achieve my goal," Carlson said, adding that all nursing faculty, Dr. Marge Bottoms in particular, offered their support all along the way. "I married so young that I never thought I'd have the opportunity to go to college," said Carlson, who has five children, the youngest of whom was 14 years old when Carlson started her college career. "I believe a higher power directed things, I was given an opportunity at a time when I could accept it and make a future for myself." *We would like to continue to "spotlight" a NANAINA Nurse in future Nursing Notes and celebrate professional accomplishments. Please submit contributions to [email protected] Back to Top |
Historian's Nook |
Dr. Karine Crow *Please submit contributions to this column about the history of Alaska Native and American Indian nursing from your area, state or region to Karine Crow by e-mail to: [email protected]. Along with your submission include your name, address, e-mail and telephone number. Back to Top |
Honoring Our Elders |
Dr. Karine Crow Please submit contributions to this column related to honoring our elder Alaska Native and American Indian nurses from your area, state or region to Karine Crow, [email protected]. We would like to honor an individual from a different region, tribe, and practice area each newsletter. Along with your submission include your name, address, e-mail and telephone number. Back to Top |
NANAINA Leadership |
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Submitted by Pat Boyles, RN, BSN Sparta, Wisconsin. Two years ago as an undergraduate in nursing school, I was assigned the task of writing a paper describing an effective nursing leader. To begin, I noted that a leader contributes to the evolution of nursing, moving the profession to a higher level. I also see the nurse leader as a shining role model. As most of my classmates went to the library and researched Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton, my focus turned to leaders within our Indian Nursing community. After much thought, I chose to write my nursing leadership paper about Erna Burton. I knew there were no books written about Erna Burton, yet, so I set out to interview Erna. I took the opportunity at the 1998 NANAINA Summit in Montana. Erna very graciously gave me an interview. Erna began her career as an LPN. She then pursued a three-year RN degree. Later, as the opportunity presented itself, she worked toward her BSN. In the process of blossoming as an Indian nurse leader, Erna kept working to support her family. Erna worked in many different nursing roles. One aspect that makes Erna a nurse leader role model is her continued career advancement, one step at a time. Many Indian people can identify with this type of progress. They see people evolve and grow one step at a time, similar to our Indian life style. Being a good role model, Erna has had a positive influence on young Indian nurses in school and nursing. One who can keep on a positive path, remember their Indian ways, where they came from and still manage to make headway in the world, is a great nurse leader! Erna has shown commitment to NANAINA at the state and national level, giving time and actively participating. Through associations such as NANAINA, it is possible for the seasoned nurse to become a leader and mentor for nursing students. It warms my heart to see recognition given to someone who is so very deserving. Erna is a humble leader who continues to encourage others to continue to achieve their own goals. NANAINA is privileged to have Erna as one of its nurse leaders. Erna Burton, RN, BSN, was honored at Summit VI. She was recognized by her NA/AI nursing peers as an outstanding nurse. Thank you, Erna, for all of your past and future contributions to the health and well being of NA/AI people. Back to Top |
Highlights from Summit VI |
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Summit VI was a success! The conference was held in northern Minnesota, at Grand Casino on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Each day was filled with dynamic presentations and new learning and lots of laughter. A special part of every Summit has been our evening banquet. Summit VI's was again an event to celebrate and recognize special people. Erna Burton was honored for her contributions to NANAINA and the healthcare of NA/AI people. Fjola Hart-Wasekeesikaw, President of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, provided the banquet's key address. She brought friendship and shared information about the Canadian Aboriginal Nurses Association. Her remarks were insightful and extended collegial networking between the Canadian organization and NANAINA members. NANAINA's Silent Auction extended throughout the evening and again was successful to raise funds for our NA/AI Nursing Scholarship program. Laughter was not absent from the evening banquet. John Lowe and Barb Dahlen, emceed "Who wants to be a Native Nurse?" inviting audience participation. Teams within the audience were challenged to know their NANAINA facts and NA/AI history. A truly enjoyable evening for all attendees. A special "thank you" to our hosts, the Mille Las Band of Ojibwe and the Ne-la-Shing Clinic, for all of their on-site assistance For more information regarding this year's 2001 - Summit VII click here! Back to Top |
| Online Web Resources - More Links |
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To those of you cyber nurses, novice to expert, NANAINA members periodically find websites that might interest other members. Here's some of those, please contribute those you might recommend for reference for NA/AI issues. Sites sponsored by the American Nurses Association: http://www.NursingWorld.org - Up to the Minute Nursing News-By Nurses for Nurses http://www.NursesBooks.org - Latest standards available. http://www.RNCE.org - Online CE modules; Instant certificates-Scholarly content. http://www.NursingMall.org - Nurse specific goods and service. http://www.firstamericans.org - Organization in Los Angeles honoring AI actors. Back to Top |
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Announcements |
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National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities established at NIH, The Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act of 2000 is a measure aimed at expanding research and data collection pertaining to health disparities that affect minorities and medically underserved populations. Establishment of a national center will coordinate health disparities research performed or supported by NIH; a grant program through the new center to further biomedical and behavioral research education and training; an endowment program to facilitate minority and other health disparities research at centers of excellence; and a loan repayment program to train members of minority or other health disparity populations as biomedical research professionals. The bill provides resources through HRSA for research and demonstration projects for training health professionals in reducing disparities in health care outcomes. It authorizes the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to conduct and support activities to measure health disparities, and research on causes for and remedies for health disparities. It provides for a study by the National Academy of Sciences on HHS systems for data collection or reporting of data on race or ethnicity. The full text of the bill as passed by the Senate is in the Congressional record for 10/26/00 at S11151-55. Back to Top |
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Cancellation of 2001 National American Indian Nursing Education Conference This year's annual conference was canceled due to lack of IHS funding. Jacque Dolberry and all of Salish Kootnai College appreciate the support given to this effort in the past and look forward to future gathering. |
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Nominations Open for NANAINA: President-elect, Treasurer and Member-at-large Nominations are open for three positions on the Board of NANAINA: President-elect, Treasurer, and Member-at-large. For detailed information regarding the position responsibilities or to submit nominations, see details online or contact Nominating Committee Chair: Lillian Tom-Orme, RN, MPH, PhD, FAAN Health Research Center/DFPM 375 Chipeta Way, Suite A Salt Lake City, UT 84108 801-585-5246 Phone 801-585-0900 Fax [email protected] |
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NANAINA Speakers Bureau: Expanding Our Service NANAINA's membership includes a wide variety of expertise that can be provided to others. Through the NANAINA Speaker' s Bureau members can share their expertise with others interested in AI/AN health care issues. By establishing a speaker's bureau, NANAINA hopes to make a difference in improving the health care of AI/AN people as well as expand its service to communities nationwide that provide health care to AI/AN people. If you have expertise in an area of nursing specific to AI/AN populations and would like to share that expertise in the manner of a public speaker, please call NANAINA at 1.888.566.8773 or e-mail [email protected]. NANAINA will publicize the fact that it has a speaker's bureau and be able to fulfill requests that may arise from organizations looking for nurses with expertise in AI/AN health care issues. It will be expected that requesting organizations pay travel, per diem and honorarium for the speaker. Back to Top |
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Advertisement Space is Available through the NANAINA Nursing Notes newsletter. For more information, please contact: Janis Givan, RN, MPH 25813 145th Place SE Kent, WA 98042 253-593-0232 phone 253-272-6138 fax [email protected] |
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NANAINA Items For Sale! See our Online Store for order forms and more information. A variety of NANAINA items are for sale. Sweatshirts in colors: White and ash M-3X..............$20 Long Sleeve T-shirts: White and ash M-3X..............$15 Short Sleeve T-shirts: White and ash M-3X..............$12 NANAINA Logo Pin.................$10 NANAINA Logo Note cards: Set of 15……………….........……..$10 Postage and Handling:...........$ 5/pound Please contact: Janis Givan at: 1.253.593.0107 M-F, 8am-5pm and reference NANAINA for more specific ordering information. |
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2000 NANAINA Board of Directors - Meet the Current Board President: Sandra Haldene President-Elect: Lillian Tom-Orme Treasurer: Janis Givan Secretary: Sandra Littlejohn Call 1-888-566-8773 to be put in touch Back to Top |
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