Faculty of Nursing embraces Joyce’s Principle

The University of Montreal’s Faculty of Nursing has confirmed its commitment to upholding Joyce’s Principle, which recognizes that all Indigenous peoples have the right to equitable access to all social and health services, as well as the right to enjoy the best possible physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Drafted by the Council of the Atikamekw of Manawan and the Council of the Atikamekw Nation, this declaration upholds the rights of Indigenous people in Quebec and Canada in the realm of health and social services. Signatories undertake to support the development and implementation of cultural safety in healthcare systems for Indigenous peoples and to fight racism against Indigenous peoples.

The declaration followed the death of Joyce Echaquan in September 2020 under disgraceful circumstances at the Centre hospitalier régional de Lanaudière.

“The adoption of Joyce’s Principle is a concrete step towards reconciliation between nursing and First Peoples,” said Sylvie Dubois, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing. “This principle also calls for recognition of and respect for traditional and living knowledge of Indigenous peoples in health matters.”

The Faculty of Nursing’s commitment

The Faculty of Nursing has also adopted an action plan that embodies its commitment to Joyce’s Principle.

In partnership with the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, the Faculty of Nursing organized a talking circle to discuss “First Peoples and nursing: rebuilding trust together” on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Samuel Rainville, the University of Montreal’s senior advisor on relations with First Peoples, Sandro Echaquan, assistant clinical professor in the Faculty of Nursing, and other participants had a conversation about ways to transform nursing practices.