Saskatchewan Polytechnic is a member of Polytechnics Canada, an alliance of 13 research-intensive, industry-responsive post-secondary institutions. Our new strategic plan, Leading the Rise, sets the course for this institution’s direction for 2020-2025. It is built on a commitment to ensure that our graduates receive the education and hands-on learning opportunities they require to succeed in their jobs, in their communities and in life. We know that by empowering learners to realize their career goals throughout their learning journey—a journey that will last a lifetime—we can create a better Saskatchewan and a better world.
Becoming a student at the Leslie and Irene Dubé School of Nursing will prepare you for a rewarding career in healthcare, research and other institutions. Saskatchewan Polytechnic educated nurses are known for their high standards of practice, ethical behaviour, inclusivity and compassion. Our more than 200 nationally recognized faculty and staff deliver innovative programs that will help prepare you for fulfilling careers as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses and more.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s (SP) School of Nursing has programs in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert (Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN)
This program is offered jointly by Saskatchewan Polytech and the University of Regina and can be completed in three or four years. Small class sizes afford plenty of one-to-one interaction with faculty. These experienced nurses and health-care practitioners go beyond textbooks to help you develop essential skills such as critical thinking, communicating and caring. We integrate theory with experiential and practical learning, with dedicated time for hands-on clinical experience. You’ll engage in learning activities in first-class simulation labs and clinical settings, working with real patients and clients.
As a Student in the SCBScN program you will begin your nursing education in Year 1 with opportunities to work directly with patients and clients. The SCBScN program offers the four year degree program as a Bilingual Program Option in partnership with the University of Regina, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and La Cité universitaire francophone at the Regina campus
Licensed practical nurses are a vital part of today’s health care team – in acute hospital care, long-term care and in the community. They provide compassionate, professional nursing care to individuals throughout the human lifespan, infants to seniors. If this sounds interesting to you, explore Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Practical Nursing program. In just two years, we’ll help you develop into a competent, confident nurse capable of making a positive difference in the health and well-being of individuals, their families and our communities.
Faculty of Nursing, Health Sciences and Community Services Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
According to the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing’s (SCBScN) Program Report 2016–2017(Saskatchewan Polytechnic and University of Regina)…the work to indigenize the SCBScN curriculum began with the initial development of the program and has continued throughout the five years of its existence. During the current review of curriculum and courses, Indigenization opportunities, both existing and future, are recognized and documented. Resources are provided to incorporate indigenization including access to Elders; support for attendance at ceremonies; faculty and student involvement with the Indigenous Nurses Association of Canada; and faculty and staff cultural education. Staff, faculty and students are learning about the severe effects of colonialism, including intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system, on Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.
INHS 100 (Introduction to Indigenous Health Studies I) is a required course for all Year One students.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
STRATEGIC PLAN 2020-2025
LEADING THE RISE: Bringing polytechnic education to new heights
Small class sizes, diverse learning methods and student-centered support services make it easier for lifelong learners to realize their aspirations. In particular, our Indigenous Student Success Strategy supports our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the Colleges and Institutes Canada’s Indigenous Education Protocol.
miyo wahkohtowin The platform from which we rise
The Cree phrase, miyo wahkohtowin, expresses the value and positivity of interconnectedness and relationships. This worldview represents the individual and the community, and encompasses the foundation of all we do at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The groundwork for this strategic plan is based on miyo wahkohtowin.
We honour this principle throughout every interaction, institutional practice, procedure, policy and service we provide to learners, faculty, staff, alumni and our communities. We work together to create an inclusive, collaborative and respectful environment in which everyone can grow, thrive and lift each other up.
Strategic Objectives (Include)
Improve inclusion
We take an active role in removing barriers to participation of under- represented groups. Spaces and practices reflect the diversity of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic community.
- Increased participation of under-represented groups.
- Increased internationalization and Indigenization.
- Increased representation of Indigenous staff, faculty, learners and management.
- Increased involvement in international projects, mentorship and internship programs.
Call to Action # 24
We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
Mandatory Course: Yes
INHS 100 – Introduction to Indigenous Health Studies 1 (3 credits)
Introduction to health science emphasizing Indigenous perspectives. Topics: history of health and health care, theories of health, personal health, consumerism, interpreting health information and statistics, health careers.
The course examines the determinants of health in relation to colonization, residential schools, racism, and social exclusion, and the impact on health and social problems experienced by the Indigenous people of Canada. Topics include racism, terminology, assimilation policies, social determinants of health and root causes (being Indigenous is a health determinant), pre contact and contact health, creation stories, land movement, lifestyle, the Indian Act, Treaties, negative residential school experiences, government policy and acts, Royal Commission on Canadian Aboriginal peoples, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada—Calls to Action, and what students can do as future nurses, Indigenous health and healing, Elders’ holistic perspective on health, and trauma and healing in historical perspective.
From the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing’s (SCBScN) Program Report 2016–2017
INDG 100 – Introduction to Indigenous Studies (3 credits)
Bilingual nursing students only – French
This course introduces the subject of Indigenous studies with a survey of Indigenous peoples in Canada from their origins, through European influence, and to the present.
Course description(s): See here
As well, concepts of indigenization are included in several of the SCBScN program courses, offering students a contemporary view of professionalism in nursing, which entails the ethical responsibility to engage in relationships with patients and other health care professionals that are culturally safe.
School of Nursing Commitment to Call to Action # 24: 5 out of 5 = 100%
| 1. Aboriginal health issues | |
| Yes. See mandatory course descriptions | |
| 2. The history and legacy of residential schools | |
| Yes. See mandatory course descriptions | |
| 3. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples | |
| Yes. As per faculty, UNDRIP is covered within the mandatory courses | |
| 4. Treaties and Aboriginal rights | |
| Yes. See mandatory course descriptions | |
| 5. Indigenous teachings and practice | |
| Yes. See mandatory course descriptions | |
Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing’s “Statement” of apology for colonial harms resulting from nursing education
Dec.11, 2023: CASN apologizes to Indigenous Peoples of Canada for Colonial harms resulting from nursing education…CASN is committed to a process of self-reflection, learning, and transformation. We will take the following steps to address the harms:
- Anti-Racism, Cultural Safety, and Humility: Promote education, resources, and practices that address anti-Indigenous racism, supporting decolonization, cultural humility, and cultural safety for nursing faculty, staff, and students. Promote institutional policies and processes that address systemic racism to foster an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
- Curriculum Revision: Promote a review of nursing education curricula to ensure a strengths-based focus and trauma-informed approach, the inclusion of content on the continued impact of colonialism and racism on Indigenous health, as well as Indigenous perspectives on health and well-being.
- Community Engagement: Establish meaningful partnerships with Indigenous organizations and communities to ensure their voices are heard in shaping nursing education policies and practices.
- Recruitment and Retention: Promote strategies that create culturally safe and supportive learning environments including pre-admission supports, in-program supports, and services that are developed in partnership with Indigenous communities
- Ongoing Accountability: In collaboration with Indigenous partners, establish mechanisms to monitor progress and address concerns raised by partners, Indigenous nursing students, and faculty.
Land Acknowledgement:
Located on the Faculty of Nursing, Health Sciences and Community Services Home Page and Saskatchewan Polytechnic Home Page
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories and the homeland of the Métis.
Also found on Strategic Plan 2020-2025: Leading the Rise:
At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, our campuses are situated on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories and the traditional homeland of the Métis. We respectfully recognize the Indigenous peoples of these lands as part of our ongoing commitment to good relations and a reconciled future.
We acknowledge generations of Indigenous learners, staff, faculty and leaders as integral to our community, and are committed to Indigenization. That commitment includes holistically integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, teaching and learning throughout all institutional practices, procedures and services.
Learn more about our commitment at saskpolytech.ca/indigenous.
| NOTE: All content has been submitted to the respective faculty for validation to ensure accuracy and currency as of the time of posting. The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Faculty of Nursing, Health Sciences and Community Services reviewed and approved the document. Managing Editor: Douglas Sinclair: Publisher, Indigenous Watchdog Research Assistant: Timothy Maton |