American Indian nursing documentary garners awards at 2017 Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Media Award
“Essence of Healing: Journey of American Indian Nurses,” a documentary, received the 2017 Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Media Award at the group’s 44th biennial convention in Indianapolis, Ind., in October and the Best Service Film Award from the 42nd American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco in November.
The documentary captures the journeys of 14 American Indian nurses from the Northern Plains as they follow their calling into the nursing profession.
“Our International Award recipients are recognized by their peers for their excellence and outstanding contributions to global health. I am honored to offer my personal congratulations on these achievements,” said STTI President Cathy Catrambone, PhD, RN, FAAN, in a news release about the event.
A number of North Dakotans collaborated to develop the documentary.
• Loretta Heuer, professor and documentary executive producer, North Dakota State University School of Nursing, Fargo and Bismarck
• Cynthia Lindquist, president of Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten
• Candace Muggerud, executive producer, Greg Kasowski, content development manager, and Juan Thomas, videographer, of KAT Communications in Bismarck
• Deb Wilson, director, and Barb Anderson, program coordinator, from University of North Dakota Recruitment and Retention of American Indians into Nursing, of Grand Forks
“This joint project of multiple institutions has improved education/awareness by the public and officials about the ongoing inequities for nursing and American Indians,” said Lindquist, adding she hopes the work will spur improvements in recruiting and retaining Native American nurses.
“The American Indian nurses in this documentary have touched the lives of many and they make valuable contributions to the health and wellness of their communities,” said Heuer. “It is humbling that the film has received so many accolades. This demonstrates the need to promote the contributions of American Indian nurses, along with the unique perspectives and values they bring to the nursing profession.”
