A tso tsi i ka kiman - A tsot spoom tani/combined effort - combined help: Mount Royal University is situated on the lands of the Nitsitapi (Real People), which consists of Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani. Also home to the Îyârhe Nakoda, Tsuut’ina, and Metis Nation #3. 

In keeping with Mount Royal University’s journey towards reconciliation, the Bridge to Canadian Nursing Program’s vision, mission, and philosophy embodies the importance of Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk) and multiple ways of knowing. 

1 From the teachings of Albert Marshall, Mi’kmaq First Nation, Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk) is “learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous Knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of the Western  Knowledges and ways of knowing, and  to using both these eyes together, for the benefit of all” (Bartlett, et al., 2012, p. 335). 

PHILOSOPHY 

The Bridge to Canadian Nursing Program is responsive to institutional strategic plans including Mount Royal University (MRU, 2021), Faculty of Health Community and Education (2019), the School of Nursing and Midwifery (in progress), and is guided by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (2019). As a bridging program focused on supporting IENs to reclaim their title of RN in Canada, our philosophy reflects the uniqueness and diversity of not only our program, but of our students. Our philosophy also reflects a commitment to decolonization, reconciliation, and equity. Our philosophy is represented as a flower with descriptions to enhance critical pieces of the flower. There are two flowers represented; one primarily in English created by nurses and nursing educators, and the other by a Blackfoot Elder’s wisdom (Elder Roy Bear Chief, Espoom Tah, Siksika Nation) to reflect the importance of Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk) and embracing multiple ways of knowing. The two flowers combined into one reflect the integration of these shared understandings. 

Roots/Katsiikinakoitsi: The roots of the flower represent the students in the Bridge to Canadian Nursing Program. IENs bring to the learning environment rich cultures, knowledges, experiences, and understandings and are integral to the structure of the program.

Soil: Kimma pi pitsin is the soil that nurtures all that we do. The foundation of the Bridge to Canadian Nursing program is built on the value, understanding, and embodiment of kimma pi pitsin.

Stem: The stem represents the teachings of Elder Roy Bear Chief: nisto (me), kisto (you), and kistoonon (us). We are connected to ourselves, each other, and the larger environment. The stem also reflects the importance of relationships.

The centre of the flower: The centre of the flower reflects the 3 L’s teaching of Elder Roy Bear Chief. One is always looking, listening, and learning.  This teaching is reflective of the nursing process (assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation), which is foundational to nursing practice.

There are four petals represented in the image. These petals illustrate four core competencies of nursing practice.

1.  Safety/Kaamotaani: The Bridge to Canadian Nursing program is committed to supporting IENs to practice competently, ethically, and safely, with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta mandate to provide safe care to the public at the forefront.

2. Knowledge/Mo’kaksin: The Bridge to Canadian Nursing program is committed to preparing IENs to enter practice meeting the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta's Entry-Level Competencies (2019).

3.  Ethics/Mokamo’tapi: The Bridge to Canadian Nursing program is committed to preparing IENs to practice in accordance with the ethical values and responsibilities of the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics (2017). In addition, the program prioritizes shifting the colonial narrative to one that values diverse knowledge and humanity. As shared by Willie Ermine (September 28, 2021, personal communication), ethical space is about affirming the space (intentions trigger events that happen), focusing on relationships, dialoguing as equals, speaking in the language of possibilities, and working as catalysts for higher humanity.

4.  Responsibility/Iipiipototsiyo’pa: The Bridge to Canadian Nursing program is committed to embodying and teaching the value of responsibility which recognizes the privilege of being entrusted to care for others, one another, and the environment. Responsibility “recognizes that human health and the health of our planet are inextricably linked, and that our civilization depends on human health, flourishing natural systems, and the wise stewardship of natural resources” (United Nations, n.d., para. 3). Responsibility is also recognized in the teachings of Grandmother Doreen Spence when she shares the understanding of all my relations (all beings are created equal and interconnected). One cannot be responsible without considering the air, water, land, and the environment (both the natural environment and the healthcare environment, which needs to be conducive to all).