RNAO opens collaborative spaces rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion and leadership

Just ahead of RNAO’s AGM and opening ceremonies, the association officially opened its home office on May 28, unveiling four collaborative spaces. These spaces are designed to foster dialogue, connection and belonging, and mark RNAO’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. The celebration began with remarks from Then-President NP Lhamo Dolkar and CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun, who reflected on the shared vision and collective effort behind each space.

The Indigenous Health Collaborative Space, named in honour of Edith Monture, the first Indigenous registered nurse in Canada, was opened through a water ceremony and drum birthing ceremony led by RNAO Knowledge Keeper Dr. Tecumseh (Ed) Connors, former RNAO board member Maxine Lesage, and Nokomis (Grandmother) Vivian from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory. Guests also heard from Edith Montour's granddaughter Terri and great granddaughter Tina.

The 2SLGBTQI+ Health Collaborative Space was unveiled in honour of the Rainbow Nursing Interest Group and its legacy as the first equity interest group of RNAO, and their enduring contributions to health and healing.

The Black Health Collaborative Space, dedicated to Bernice Isobel Carnegie Redmon, the first Black registered nurse in Canada, featured a Black ancestral acknowledgement read by Region 10 board member Dania Versailles and a member of the Black Nurses Leading Change interest group and remarks from Ms. Carnegie Redmon's niece, Bernice.

The fourth and final unveiling, the Leading Change Collaborative Space, was named by RNAO’s Board of Directors (BOD) in recognition of the association’s CEO, Dr. Doris Grinspun. Her transformative leadership has reshaped nursing, health systems and public policy in Ontario and globally. Then-President NP Lhamo Dolkar and then-President-Elect Sue LeBeau spoke on behalf of the BOD, and our CEO’s spouse Dr. Ricardo Grinspun gave remarks on behalf of the family.

The event concluded with a sacred fire ceremony led by Firekeeper Joshua Recollet, reaffirming RNAO's commitment to equity, inclusion, reconciliation and collective leadership.

Read and share highlights from the home office opening on X, the collaborative spaces web page and watch a video of the event at the AGM portal.