The Faculty of Health Disciplines’ conciliation journey
Health care providers and educators have a key role to play in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada: Calls to Action and in promoting positive relationships between Indigenous peoples and the education and health care systems.
Indigenous Peoples (Inuit, First Nations, Métis) across North America encompass many distinct nations, each with complexities and rich diversities. Indigenous communities have unique traditions, languages, and preferences that should be respected and honoured.
Whether you are a faculty or staff member, learner, or graduate of AU’s Faculty of Health Disciplines (FHD), you are an important part of the conciliation journey we all take together. This journey is guided by:
- Athabasca University Nukskahtowin, or meeting place (formerly known as the Centre for World Indigenous Knowledge and Research)
- the strategic theme of reciprocity in the 2018 Athabasca University Strategic Plan
- the Nukskahtowin Strategic Plan
The Faculty of Health Disciplines conciliation working group
Our conciliation working group was established in January 2017 to respond to the TRC calls to action. We aim to integrate Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and teaching methods into Faculty of Health Disciplines programs and courses, and to ensure Indigenous learners’ success.
We strive to better understand the truth of Indigenous history, education, and health. Central to this understanding is engaging and building relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. Cultural responsiveness and being open and respectful of diverse world views (cultural humility) is the essential foundation of building these relationships.
Key concepts and terms
Learning and understanding key terms and concepts related to Indigenous history, health, and education brings us closer to conciliation.
Resources
Our resource list is intended to foster deeper understanding and action to support conciliation. This list will grow and evolve as new resources become available.
Updated November 25, 2021 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)