In partnership with the PEI College of Nursing and Midwifery (PEICNM), the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI (MCPEI) is proud to announce the launch of a new Practice Directive on Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-Racism, marking an important step toward the elimination of Indigenous-specific racism in PEI’s health care system.
A Practice Directive is an official, mandatory document that defines professional expectations, legal obligations, and practice standards, ensuring that health care professionals provide safe, ethical, and competent care. The directive is designed to help nurses and midwives learn about culturally safe care and to reflect on their own practice. This document is important because it is not the responsibility of Indigenous clients, families, or colleagues to educate health care providers on delivering culturally safe care.
“Indigenous Peoples on Epekwitk deserve fair, equitable health care that is rooted in respect, understanding, and cultural safety. This Practice Directive is a meaningful and necessary step in making that a reality”, says Kateri Coade, Executive Director for MCPEI. “Reconciliation requires action, and this directive is one such action.”
Created in direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the directive reflects PEICNM’s commitment to embedding Mi’kmaq culture and values into nursing and midwifery practice on the Island.
The directive was developed through a deep and sustained collaboration between PEICNM and MCPEI’s Health Program, working closely with both First Nations communities on PEI. The final document reflects the knowledge, teachings, and lived experiences of community members and health staff who generously contributed to its development; their voices are the very foundation of the directive.
“The Council of PEICNM wanted this work to be meaningful and grounded in purposeful engagement with Indigenous Islanders, so we could learn from their stories and experiences,” says Melissa Panton, Chief Executive Officer, PEICNM. “Our mandate is to regulate nursing and midwifery in the public interest, and this Practice Directive is one way the College aims to support culturally safe health care experiences for Indigenous Islanders.”
The new Practice Directive features stunning Mi’kmaq artwork inspired by the Seven Sacred Teachings and the four Sacred Medicines (Sage, Sweetgrass, Cedar, and Tobacco), each depicted in its living plant form. The imagery was created by a team of talented Indigenous designers through the El’taqati’kw (“We Create”) Digital Studio, as part of MCPEI’s Employment Services program. The artwork reflects the cultural knowledge and values of the directive.
The Practice Directive on Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-Racism is now in effect and will form part of the annual licensure renewal process for all nurses and midwives registered in Prince Edward Island. It can be found on the PEI College of Nursing and Midwifery’s website.
