Methods: Narrative Analysis
Results:
However, the DOH and SDGs themselves are not sufficient to address cultural safety for Registered Nurses as global citizens. Global Citizenship is defined as “awareness, caring, and embracing cultural diversity while promoting social justice and sustainability, coupled with a sense of responsibility to act” (Reysen & Katzarska-Miller, 2013, p.858). By focusing on initiatives that increase understanding about intersectionality and cultural safety, the Sigma - Chi Nu chapter (515) intentionally models the way in terms of valuing and respecting diversity and global interconnectedness. For example, by enhancing awareness related to local, national, and global trends and issues, we encourage students and healthcare professionals to analyze their assumptions, beliefs, and values about their role as a global citizen; which is ultimately the first step toward taking meaningful action (Davies, 2006).
The following are examples of Chi Nu initiatives that have highlighted this important theme: a) hosting several educational events that focus on diversity and inclusiveness; recognizing Treaty 6 Territory at all events and board meetings, b) inviting an Indigenous Elder to bring blessings, educate our audience, and perform a smudge ceremony at our induction ceremonies, c) providing protocol (tobacco, cloth, and sweetgrass) to Indigenous Elders attending our events, and d) building community partnerships with agencies serving those who identify as Indigenous youth as well as homeless and at risk populations. Through the above-mentioned initiatives, we encourage personal and professional reflection and growth related to intersectionality and cultural safety, both which are concepts that are closely linked to Global Citizenship.
Intersectionality, (Crenshaw, 1989) as a lens, was created as a perspective to explore societal influences on women of colour, expanded as critical reflection to examine how social structure (class, age, race, sexual orientation, disability, gender: the “isms” as non-dominant social identities) oppresses individuals through power and privilege (Hankivsky & Christoffersen, 2008; Van Herk, Smith, & Andrew, 2010). Cultural safety, grounded in relational practice, acknowledges that the receiver of care determines what is “safe” (McGibbon, Mulaudzi, Didham, Barton, & Sochan, 2013) and by doing so empowers and recognizes that individual truth and reality (culture) is foundational for meaningful partnerships (ANAC, CASN & CNA, 2009; National Aboriginal Health Organization, 2006).
Conclusion: What is the relationship between the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and cultural safety? The premise of the SDGs is to ensure all peoples have opportunities for peace and prosperity, valuing their cultural and individual expressions. We believe, Sigma Chapters have the responsibility to role model cultural safety by utilizing an intersectionality framework to guide chapter initiatives. It is within these concepts, cultural safety and intersectionality, that members can explore their assumptions, beliefs, and values to realize cultural safety. Therefore, it is vital that the roles and responsibilities, educational initiatives, protocols, and objectives for community partners are grounded in awareness of diversity to engage in inclusivity. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada [TRCC] (2012) appeals to organizations, individuals, and governmental agencies to increase awareness of colonialism, especially the damaging legacy of residential schools, to foster reconciliation among all peoples of Canada. Therefore, utilizing the lens of intersectionality to examine healthcare practices (Browne et al. 2009), notably the concepts of privilege and power and colonialism, Chi Nu has intentionally adopted protocols and educational initiatives to uphold the TRCC recommendations to inform and build relationships for inclusivity with our members, faculty, and the public. Although this is a local strategy, implications for adoption globally are evident and necessary.