What nurses should know when working in Aboriginal communities

Nurses working in aboriginal communities need to understand the history, socio-political climate and culture within the specific community. In addition to placing a high priority on this learning, nurses should also understand the concept of respect in aboriginal terms and apply respect in all their dealings in the community Self-awareness of their own beliefs and assumptions is critical if nurses are to have an effective relationship with the community. The author, an aboriginal person who grew up in a non-aboriginal home, illustrates these concepts with anecdotes from her own experiences when she returned to her Dene community.