What is IHI

McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) worked collaboratively with multiple on/off campus partners to develop a comprehensive Indigenous Health Initiative (IHI) in order to better integrate Indigenous cultural knowledge into educational and research programs within the Faculty.

Why IHI was Created

As outlined in the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), the current state of Indigenous health inequity in Canada is linked to the overall impact of colonization and government assimilative policy. The education of all health care practitioners must prepare them to work with Indigenous people towards closing the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.

The TRC provided seven health-specific Calls to Action including a call for medical and nursing schools to establish a curriculum that will inform students regarding the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. Health science students and faculty require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

Who Participated

The development of the IHI was guided by and aligned with reconciliation values and principles, promising practices informed by health sciences educators, health professional and university accreditation bodies in Canada. It was led by the voices of local Indigenous community including Knowledge Holders, Traditional Practitioners, community members and leaders, learners and faculty, alumni and representatives of respective organizations dedicated to the advancement of culturally safe education for Indigenous students.

A Visioning Session was held in May 2018 with a broad base of stakeholders which helped to inform the process. A Steering Committee and Six Working Groups have been established including: Knowledge Holders WG, Administration WG, Student Support & Services WG, Research WG, Faculty Leadership and Support WG, Education and Curriculum WG. Each Group is led by an Indigenous Chair. An Indigenous Inter-Professional Advisory Committee has also been struck to facilitate the voice of alumni and other regional Indigenous practitioners.

When did it begin and when was it Completed

Work on the IHI began in April of 2017 and Dr. Bernice Downey, a medical anthropologist was recruited in the role of Indigenous Health Lead. The emphasis in the initial phase of the initiative was on relationship building, raising awareness about the initiative and coordinating an internal administrative team to lead the work. The pace has been vigorous as various individuals have demonstrated both commitment and diligence to support this initiative.

How to get Involved in IHI

The Indigenous Health Initiative Strategic Planning process was completed as of October 2019. The implementation of the Indigenous Health Education Strategic Plan is being lead by the Indigenous Health Education Learning Lodge, which is an entity within the FHS that espouses an Indigenous academic community of staff, faculty, students, and Elders. A formal report summarizing the development process and implementation plan was published by February 2020.

Mandate

We will address three broad areas of need:

• Increased student preparedness, entry and completion of health sciences programs;
• Ongoing identification and work to remove barriers to success within the university including increasing awareness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis health issues among the faculty and student body; and,
• Improved relationships between the university and local Indigenous communities.

Strategy

Our strategy to achieve this mandate is to:

• Provide student career counselling and assistance with admissions and application processes;
• Work closely with health sciences programs to strategize ways for overcoming barriers and improving preparedness and access for students;
• Act as an advocate and champion for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis student priorities;
• Link with local Indigenous communities and organizations for consultation, outreach and recruitment; and,
• Create an inclusionary environment for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students within the university that includes infusion of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis specific content into all health sciences program curriculum.

Goals

• To promote greater enrolment and success of Indigenous students in order to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in university.
• To support Indigenous students in their academic achievements through mentorship and providing them with a culturally meaningful education.
• To promote a culturally safe, racism free learning environment for Indigenous students across campus.
• To increase awareness of Indigenous issues at the university level.
• To serve and respond to the social, cultural, and economic needs of Indigenous learners and communities.
• To enhance Indigenous governance within the university.
• To recruit and assist Indigenous students in access and success at McMaster.
• To engage with Indigenous secondary students to assist in the transition between high school and the university environment.
• To increase and enhance Indigenous students’ services on campus.
• To provide and maintain the Elders-in-residence and Indigenous Mentor Program.
• To increase and promote Indigenous faculty within the Health Sciences.
• To work collaboratively with Indigenous communities in the development of Indigenous programs, curriculum, and services.
• To increase awareness of Indigenous cultures and issues among university faculty and staff in order to increase cultural safety university-wide.