International Nurses Day 2026 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses

This presentation for International Nurses Day 2026 honours the history, leadership, and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses. It traces the impact of colonisation and structural barriers on First Nations access to health, education, and professional pathways, while highlighting the resilience and achievements of pioneering nurses including May Yarrowick, Sadie Canning, Lowitja O’Donoghue, Faith Thomas, Aunty Dulcie Flower, and Professor Odette Best. Their stories demonstrate longstanding leadership in community care, advocacy, cultural safety, and health equity. The presentation also reflects on the growth of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and the vital role of today’s First Nations nursing workforce. Together, these narratives emphasise nursing as a profession grounded in responsibility, cultural safety, and the pursuit of a more just health system for all.