Professor Sara Williams and nursing students participate in an Indigenous-focused clinical simulation. Indigenous health content is integrated throughout the Faculty of Nursing curriculum as part of its ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. (SUBMITTED BY SARA WILLIAMS/University of Windsor)
By Sara Meikle
As Canada marks National Indigenous History Month and prepares to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the University of Windsor is reflecting on the ongoing work of reconciliation taking place on campus.
Within the Faculty of Nursing, that commitment is being translated into meaningful action through curriculum transformation, community engagement and efforts to create a more equitable health-care system for Indigenous Peoples.
Over the past five years, the faculty has transformed its approach to Indigenous health education, embedding Indigenous content throughout the nursing curriculum while strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and creating space for continued growth.
For Sara Williams, Indigenization learning specialist, that progress reflects a commitment to reconciliation as an ongoing journey rather than a completed task.
The faculty's work aligns with recommendations from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), which developed a framework to help nursing schools respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action. While the Faculty has focused significant efforts on meeting Call to Action 24, which addresses Indigenous health education, Williams believes the work has gone beyond the minimum requirements.
"We've integrated Indigenous content throughout the curriculum," said Williams. "It's not just one course. Students at UWindsor encounter these concepts throughout their entire nursing education."
Students are encouraged to develop cultural humility, self-awareness and critical reflection skills that help them provide more responsive, patient-centred care.
"They're becoming more reflective practitioners and thinking differently about what it means to create safe and welcoming health-care environments," Williams said.
The impact is already being felt. Williams regularly hears from students and graduates who describe how the curriculum has shaped their nursing practice and strengthened their confidence in addressing inequities within healthcare settings.
Building on that foundation, the faculty is now increasing its focus on Call to Action 23, which aims to increase Indigenous representation in healthcare professions. Efforts are underway to explore new pathways for Indigenous student recruitment and support while continuing to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.
"My dream is for Indigenous students who want to become nurses to think, 'I want to go to the University of Windsor,'" said Williams.
Progress is also supported by the leadership of Dean Debbie Sheppard-LeMoine. Her advocacy helps ensure reconciliation remains embedded in the faculty’s priorities and that the work continues to deepen over time.
"Reconciliation is a core priority for our faculty and reflected throughout our strategic vision," said Sheppard-LeMoine. "We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we also recognize this work requires ongoing learning, partnership and accountability. We are committed to nursing education that helps create a more equitable health-care system."
Beyond the classroom, faculty participation in Indigenous cultural teachings and ceremony has sparked important conversations about curriculum, relationships and accountability, further deepening understanding across the faculty.
"The shift happens when people experience the culture," Williams said. "Instead of asking what document to read, people started asking, 'How can we do more?'"
That momentum continues to guide the faculty's work. A newly established Truth and Reconciliation subcommittee and survey will help identify future priorities and opportunities for growth.
For Williams, success will be measured not only by curriculum changes, but by the lasting relationships being built with Indigenous communities and the graduates entering the profession.
"My hope is that it becomes a Faculty of Nursing relationship with community," she said. "One that will continue to last and grow beyond my own relationships."
As UWindsor recognizes National Indigenous History Month, the Faculty of Nursing's progress demonstrates how sustained commitment, meaningful partnerships and continuous learning can help advance reconciliation and shape the future of nursing education.