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The official formation of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (ANAC) was in 1975. However, its origins precede this historic date by one year. In 1974 the groundwork was started for the actual formation of the association by several nurses who shared a common vision founded in their unique perspective as Aboriginal care givers to Aboriginal people.

Vision

The Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada will be widely recognized as a vital expert resource in advancing the health of Aboriginal communities, through its work with and behalf of Aboriginal nurses.

Mission

The mission of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada is to improve the health of Aboriginal people, by supporting Aboriginal Nurses and by promoting the development and practice of Aboriginal Health Nursing.

In advancing this mission, the Association will engage in activities related to recruitment and retention, member support, consultation, research and education.

The Six Objectives to Guide the Membership of the A.N.A.C.

1. To recruit and maintain a registry of A.N.A.C. regular and associate members and be a resource to the membership.
   
2. To act as an agent in promoting and striving for better health for Aboriginal people; that is a state of complete physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.
   
3. To conduct research and knowledge translation/transfer/dissemination on Aboriginal health, culture and nursing including the special needs of Aboriginal people.
   
4. To research, assemble and further develop the speciality of Aboriginal Health Nursing.
   
5. To assist in developing culturally appropriate curriculum in nursing as a means of recruiting and retaining more Aboriginal people in nursing to better serve Aboriginal communities.
   
6. To provide advice to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal governmental and non-governmental organizations in developing initiatives designed to improve the health of Aboriginal People.