Glen Vienneau
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 26/00) - The agenda is packed for Northern nurses gearing up for this week's biennial conference starting Thursday in Yellowknife.

The three-day conference will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the NWT Registered Nurses Association under the theme "Creating Unity in Nursing in Nunavut and the NWT."

"The biennial is an opportunity to highlight the contribution (the association) has made across the North since its establishment in 1975," said Linda Heimbach, president of the association.

The conference kicks off with a general meeting and the election of a new executive for the association at the Baker Community Centre. Some 60 participants are expected to attend this session, said Heimbach.

Also on Thursday, Lynda Kushmir-Pekrul, president of the Canadian Nurses Association, will speak about national nursing issues.

Also taking part in the general meeting will be Ed Picco, minister of Health and Social Services for Nunavut and Bronwyn Watters, director of policy, planning and human resources for the GNWT's Department of Health and Social Services.

On Thursday evening a banquet will be held where the association will recognize nurses Audrey Woodget and Gail Wolfe for their outstanding service.

The next two days will offer delegates educational workshops at Northern United Place.

"It's an excellent opportunity to bring nurses from both territories together," said Heimbach, adding that nurses will also have the chance to reflect on past nursing accomplishments, as well as plan for the future.

On Friday representatives from the Canadian Nurses Association will make presentations on issues including tele-health, distant health-care provision and the provision of Web site access for nurses across the country.

The sessions are open to all nurses and members of the public. Registration can be obtained at the NWT Registered Nurses Association's office.