Indigenous Nurses Day is commemorated annually on April 10 to honour the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis nurses, educators, and students across Canada. This date marks the birthday of Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture, a Kanien'kehá:ka woman and the first Indigenous Registered Nurse in Canada.

Born in 1890 in Six Nations of the Grand River, she struggled to be accepted to a Canadian nursing school as First Nations faced involuntary enfranchisement (loss of Indian status) for pursuing higher education. Instead, she studied in New York, where she completed her degree in 1914. She worked as a public health nurse and volunteered for duty as a nursing sister in World War I, eventually returning to Six Nations where she continued to work as a nurse and midwife until the 1960s. Monture is considered a pioneer in Indigenous healthcare in Canada.

ONA proudly recognizes and celebrates this important day by acknowledging the leadership, expertise, and dedication of Indigenous nurses, educators, and students throughout Ontario. Their work continues to strengthen health systems and improve outcomes for communities.

At the same time, Indigenous nurses continue to face systemic barriers, anti-Indigenous racism, and cultural erasure within healthcare environments. Addressing these challenges remains essential to achieving equity and reconciliation in healthcare.

ONA extends its deepest gratitude for your commitment, courage, and teachings, and for the invaluable role you play in advancing the health and well-being of people across Ontario.

Supporting access to high-quality health care for all means supporting and recognizing the unique experiences of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis nurses in our union. ONA strives to create space and support for our Indigenous members through the Members of Indigenous Descent Caucus Group, which meets at our Human Rights and Equity Caucus each year.