Meet Nadine: Championing Indigenous relations and cultural safety at the Red Cross

Nadine Gaudaur's role as Indigenous Relations liaison at the Canadian Red Cross embodies a genuine commitment to fostering positive relationships with Indigenous communities.
 
“It involves taking the time to listen to and understand the needs and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and working collaboratively to build trust and respect. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and culturally safer organization that values and respects the diversity of Indigenous cultures and traditions throughout the province,” says Nadine.
 
One of Nadine's primary responsibilities is to evaluate the organization's practices through an Indigenous lens, ensuring cultural appropriateness and identifying areas that need improvement. By implementing culturally appropriate changes and providing training and education for staff, she actively promotes cultural safety within the organization.
 
Her impactful initiatives have left a lasting impression on Indigenous communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Cross launched an initiative providing activity packs to Indigenous children in outbreak-affected communities.
 
“The initiative was able to build trust within communities who sought additional support such as emergency preparedness, psychological first aid training, water safety and many other programs run by various divisions of the Red Cross,” she says.
 
Nadine's commitment to cultural safety extends to times of disaster and crisis by offering cultural sensitivity workshops. During an emergency, the Red Cross tailors its briefings to ensure responders understand the historical and contemporary realities of the impacted communities, enabling them to provide support in a compassionate and culturally sensitive manner.
 
Reflecting on her most memorable experiences with the Red Cross, Nadine fondly recalls participating in the Attawapiskat community's National Truth and Reconciliation Day event.
 
“I have been privileged to hear the firsthand stories of some of the residential school survivors and witness the community Blanket Ceremony. Being invited to take part in this day was truly a humbling experience.”
 
Nadine encourages everyone to take the time to listen to Indigenous voices and make space for Indigenous stories.
 
Nadine welcomes the opportunity to have conversations that encourage understanding and learning.  If you would like to learn more or have questions, please reach out to Nadine by email Nadine.gaudaur@redcross.ca .