National Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the cultures, contributions, and strength of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. For CLPNS, it is also a reminder that reconciliation is ongoing, particularly within the health system and regulatory professions, which have historically contributed to colonial violence and harms.

The health system has not always been safe for Indigenous people, and in some cases, it is still not safe today. CLPNS uses this day to reaffirm its commitment to addressing Indigenous-specific racism and to remind members and the public of the legal and ethical expectations for culturally safe care.

In October 2022, CLPNS formally identified Indigenous-specific racism as a risk to public health and directed the development of strategies to address it. Since then, the College has:

• Adopted a modernized Code of Ethics with an explicit commitment to culturally safe care
• Published a Culturally Safe Care Legislative Interpretation to clarify expectations in practice

Related documents:

• Culturally Safe Service Guidelines
• Culturally Safe Service Legislative Interpretation
• Culturally Safe Service One-Pager
• Standards of Practice
• Code of Ethics

What this means for LPNs

Providing culturally safe care is a legal requirement. All LPNs in Saskatchewan must practice in a way that respects diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes:

• Reflecting on personal values and biases to ensure they do not affect care
• Recognizing and addressing power imbalances between providers and clients
• Treating clients as equal partners, acknowledging that Indigenous people are best positioned to understand their own needs

These expectations are defined in the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Incidents of racism in LPN practice should be reported to CLPNS.

What this means for the public

When receiving care from an LPN, you can expect:

• Respect at all times
• Inclusion in decisions about your care
• Recognition of your history, culture, and lived experience
• Clear, respectful communication, repeated as needed
• A safe environment to raise concerns, with action taken when concerns are shared

Cultural safety is determined by those receiving care. If your concerns are not addressed, you are encouraged to submit a formal complaint to CLPNS.

We also encourage Indigenous LPNs and members of the public to join our Cultural Advisory Group. More information can be found here.

CLPNS acknowledges and thanks Indigenous LPNs for their contributions to a safer, healthier Saskatchewan, and all LPNs who uphold their responsibility to provide culturally safe care.