This paper is the result of coming to know and better understand Indigenous nursing experience in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Using an Indigenous research approach, I (first author) drew from the collective experience of four Indigenous nurse scholars and attended to the question of how Indigenous knowledge manifests itself in the practices of Indigenous nurses and how it can better serve individuals, families, and communities. This research framework centered on Indigenous principles, processes, and practical values as expressed in Indigenous nursing practice. The results were woven from key understandings and meanings of Indigeneity as a way of being. Central to this study was that Indigenous knowledge has always been fundamental to the ways that these Indigenous nurses have undertaken nursing practice, regardless of the systemic and historical barriers they faced in providing healthcare for Indigenous people. The results of this research demonstrated how Indigenous nurses consistently drew on their inherited Indigenous knowledge to deliver nursing care to Indigenous people. Their identity as Indigenous persons was integral to their identities as Indigenous nurses. Of significance is the personal and particular description of how these Indigenous nurse scholars developed their nursing approaches in relevance to how health and healthcare delivery must be integrated into healthcare systems as a pathway to reducing health disparities. Cora Weber-Pillwax, PhD, associate professor, Education Policy Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB. She is Métis from Calling Lake, AB. Cosupervisor and expert knowledge holder of Indigenous research methodologies and communitybased research; contributed to all levels of writing and editing.
KeywordsMadeleine Kētēskwew Dion Stout, PhD, Kehewin First Nation, retired nurse, cosearcher, active educator, researcher, and author. Helped shape the study through her insights on Indigenous health and wellness; insistence on home-grown and complementary interventions and services; and insertion of Cree concepts to change the way this research project offers content.Evelyn Voyageur, PhD, from the Dzawada̱ ʼenux̱ w First Nation, is a retired RN and an Elder-in-residence at North Island College in Comox Valley, BC. Shared expert Indigenous nursing knowledge as a co-searcher, supported data analysis, and provided expert insight throughout the research process.Alice Reid, retired RN, NP, worked extensively in northern Alberta. She is Métis from Sandy Lake, AB. Played a key role as a co-searcher, supported data analysis, and provided guidance throughout the research process.Lea Bill, RN, BScN, from Pelican First Nation in Saskatchewan, is a project manager for Alberta First Nations Cancer Pathways project, president of Spirit Feather Consulting, and a traditional practitioner. Provided spiritual guidance in addition to her role as a co-researcher, supported data analysis, and acted as language interpreter throughout the research process.Elder R...