Experiential Learning for Indigenous Nurse Leadership Development: A Learning Exchange for Canadian Turtle Island Indigenous Nursing Students in Aotearoa

BackgroundLeadership is recognized as a core nursing competency, essential for advancing practice and preparing future nurse leaders for complex healthcare settings. Studies show that First Nation nurses are underrepresented in leadership roles. Addressing this requires intentional strategies that center Indigenous worldviews and leadership development. This study explores the role of international experiential learning in supporting the emergence of Indigenous leadership in nursing education.MethodsThe study was embedded in a culturally grounded international exchange project that took place in the summer of 2024. The project involved Indigenous nursing students from the University of Manitoba and a partner Bachelor of Nursing Māori programme in Aotearoa (New Zealand). The study employed Indigenous methodologies grounded in conversational reflection, with themes identified through iterative discussion and validation with Indigenous nursing students.ResultsA total of 6 Indigenous undergraduate nursing students completed the experiential learning project. The students were exposed to the Bachelor of Nursing Māori programme curriculum that included Māori leadership. The students learned about the value of research for advocating. Three overarching and inter-related themes emerged in our thematic analysis of students' reflections and sharing circle, including connecting to people, land and water, empowered by relational leadership and research, and becoming agents of change. Through this experience, students gained confidence and were empowered to lead with cultural authenticity and a commitment to systematic change.ConclusionExposure to the Bachelor of Nursing Māori program enhanced students' cultural confidence, and leadership aspirations and informed the development of Indigenous nurse leadership competencies.