Aboriginal Nurses Association growing

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Native health care has improved since the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada was formed 18 years ago, said a founding member of the group.

But Jean Goodwill, a Cree woman who was one of Saskatchewan's first Aboriginal nurses on graduating in the late 1950's, adds there is still a long way to go.

"We don't have enough Native health care professionals yet," Goodwill said. "There have never been enough of us."

The association was formed in 1975 to attract more Native people to careers in health care and improve communication among those already there.

Forty-one people attended the first meeting in Montreal. Today, there are more than 300 active members of the group, which is still dedicated to improving health care in Aboriginal communities.

Its current president, Marilyn Sark, a Micmac from Prince Edward Island, said she has found that most people shy away from nursing.

"Nursing is not a career that people rush to," she said. "It's a very rewarding and satisfying career, but it is demanding."

For more information, call (613) 230-1864 or write the group at 55 Murray Street, Third Floor, Ottawa, Ont. K1N 5M3.