Overview
This course has been built in response to the TRC Calls to Action (2015, p. 3) with the objectives of addressing the Calls to Action:
- #23: We call upon all levels of government to i. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health-care field. ii. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communities. iii. Provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals; and
- #24: We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including 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. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
In this course, you will delve into the multifaceted landscape of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, gaining insights into their cultures, histories, and contemporary struggles. Through an exploration of colonization's enduring impact, you will confront the imperative of decolonization and the collective responsibility it entails. Delving into the nuances of anti-Indigenous racism, you'll acquire a vocabulary to dissect discriminatory structures and behaviors. Moving beyond theory, you'll analyze cognitive frameworks and biases, unraveling implicit and explicit prejudices while confronting the concept of privilege. By comparing Indigenous and Western worldviews, you'll grasp the root disparities perpetuating structural racism, particularly evident in Canada's assimilationist policies. Focusing on healthcare, you'll scrutinize the nexus of racism and health outcomes, equipping yourself with tools for fostering Indigenous allyship within healthcare provision, thereby embarking on a journey towards transformative change.
Credential Earned
After successful completion of this courses, you will earn a Letter of Completion.
At the completion of this course, you will:
- Understand key terms and concepts related to racism and discrimination;
- Recognize your role in both contributing to as well as addressing systemic racism and discrimination;
- Delineate anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination as distinct forms of racism and discrimination;
- Gain the ability to recognize anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination in personal, professional, and structural contexts.
How It Works
Course Access
90 days
Effort
10 hours of study
Delivery
Online, On-Demand
Instruction
Self-paced
Cost
$400
KD (Keith) King
KD (Keith) (He/They) is a proud Michif Ayahkwew (Ah-yah-kway-oh or Two Spirit) Registered Nurse from Notikewin, Alberta, in Treaty 8 territory. They are of mixed English & Russian settler and Métis descent and live in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta), where they are a PhD candidate and researcher with the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta. Their research is working with the Métis Nation of Alberta to explore HPV-related cancer prevention. They are also a sessional instructor at MacEwan University and practicing Public Health Nurse in the sexual health field. Keith works closely with the Health Department at the Métis Nation of Alberta. Keith also volunteers with several communities. They are the co-chair of the board of the Edmonton 2Spirit Society and a co-founder of the Alberta Pain Strategy.
Clarisse Paron
Clarisse (she/they) is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Philosophy at Dalhousie University, located in K’jipuktuk (Halifax, Nova Scotia) on Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. Originally from Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta) in Treaty 6 territory. She completed a BSc and an MA in Philosophy at the University of Alberta. Her research considers how science, medical practice, and social policy intersect to perpetuate unjust treatment of equity-deserving populations in the healthcare system. As a third and fifth generation settler from Italy and Ukraine respectively, Clarisse strives to enact decolonization in her teaching and research practices, fulfilling her responsibility in decolonization. She has taught in many capacities and her interest in pedagogy led her to undertake a certificate in university teaching and learning. She has co-authored an open educational resource on applied ethics, developed courses for the Departments of Biology and Philosophy at Dalhousie University and the Faculty of Health Sciences at Athabasca University. She created an online tool for healthcare professionals to develop their ethical consultation skills to aid Dalhousie’s Bioethics Department.
Lynn Corcoran
Dr. Lynn Corcoran (she/her) is a Registered Nurse and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Disciplines at Athabasca University. She has clinical experience in public health and women’s health. Her research and scholarly interests include a variety of topics such as innovations in teaching and learning, nursing education, and prevention of violence.
- Healthcare Professionals: This group includes doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of Indigenous health issues. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
- Community Workers: Individuals working in Indigenous communities or organizations focused on health and wellness. They may include social workers, community health representatives, and cultural support workers.
- Educators: Teachers, professors, and educators interested in incorporating Indigenous perspectives into their health-related curricula. They may work in schools, colleges, or universities.
- Policy Makers: Government officials, policymakers, and advocates interested in developing policies and programs that address Indigenous health disparities. Researchers: Academics and researchers studying Indigenous health issues and looking to enhance their understanding of Indigenous health research methodologies and ethics.
- Students: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in health-related fields who want to learn about Indigenous health as part of their studies.
Course FAQs
Is this an instructor-led course?
This course is designed to be self-paced with all materials you need for successful completion contained within the learning platform. The course is an immersive experience that includes a mix of content including video introductions and video content, audio files, impactful readings, learning checks, and interactive elements – all which can be completed at your own pace.
How much time will I need to spend?
This course is structured to be completed at your own pace within approximately 10 hours, but you set your own schedule! The learning environment will be available for 90 days to complete the course.
Do I have to be online at a certain time of day?
No, you do not have to be online at a specific time. You complete the coursework at the times and places that fits your schedule. Each course is designed for working professionals who are balancing their work, family and community commitments.
When do I start?
You can start the course as soon as you register! You will automatically be directed to the interactive learning environment.
How long will I have access to the course?
You will have 90 days from the time of registration to complete the certificate. Total learning time is approximately 10 hours.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for courses. Refunds may be considered under exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please contact powered@athabascau.ca for more information.
Are there tests or quizzes involved?
There will be an assessment after each unit. All assessments are designed to be accessible and easy to complete by engaging in the course content. Within each module, you will have the answers to each assessment.
What are the computer requirements for this course?
You should have access to a Mac, PC, or tablet with an Internet connection, with Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox as a browser. Here is a link that outlines browser support:
https://documentation.brightspace.com/EN/brightspace/requirements/all/browser_support.htm
For virtual sessions:
- Speakers/headphones
- Web camera and microphone
Learners that want to use their smart phone to access the courses can also download the D2L Pulse App for free to access the course available on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.d2l.brightspace.student.android&hl=en_CA
Or the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/brightspace-pulse/id1001688546
Does this course have prerequisites?
This course does not have a required prerequisite.
Who do I contact if I need help?
You can contact powered@athabascau.ca for assistance with any questions you may have. We are here to help!