Nurses who work and live in northern B.C. have a major stake in improving health outcomes and promoting healthy living.
As part of learning to do their jobs effectively, they have to understand the diversity of cultural values.
With that in mind, a College of New Caledonia nursing student is planning a potluck dinner and cultural event open to the public in hopes it will build paths between nurses and First Nations people.
"It's an informal gathering that will address holistic, emotional and spiritual health," said organizer Melanie Labatch, a second-year CNC nursing student from Saik'uz First Nation. "For nurses who will work in northern B.C. and with First Nations clients, we need to understand and see the patients for who they really are. That goes a long way in building a strong community."
The event, set for next Monday, March 19 from 5-8 p.m., will be held at CNC's Aboriginal Resource Centre. It includes a dinner, storytelling by community First Nations elders, a performance from a Lheidli T'enneh youth drum group, and aboriginal art displays.
CNC nursing students and registered nurses from the Narcosli area (Fort St. James) will be on hand to provide information on diabetes, blood pressure monitoring and CNC's tobacco cessation program, and there will be traditional medicine displays.
And you don't have to be a starving student to receive an invitation to the dinner.
"This is open to anyone who wants to have a good time at a nice gathering," said Labatch. "The Aboriginal Resource Centre is a great gathering and support place for students."
