The Faculty of Health Disciplines conciliation journey
The conciliation journey purpose is to integrate Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and teaching methods into the Faculty of Health Disciplines' programs and courses.
We are committed to:
- Increasing faculty and staff knowledge and understanding of Indigenous history, worldview, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
- Working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples (AU Elder, alumni, community, and students) in our conciliation journey.
- Promoting respectful knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples as it relates to Faculty of Health Disciplines course content, including:
- health determinants and health
- cultural humility and cultural safety related to health care practice
- Indigenous ways of knowing
- Indigenous views of health and healing
- Indigenous research methods
- Respectfully and accurately integrating Indigenous perspectives, culture, and content into courses.
- Effectively supporting Indigenous learner success (inviting, welcoming, and engaging Indigenous students), and addressing systemic barriers that impede the success of Indigenous students in our programs.
The Faculty of Health Disciplines thank our three FHD alumni for their wisdom and guidance in the FHD conciliation journey (2018-2019).
Chelsea Crowshoe MHS (AU 2003)
Director, Indigenous Health Program South and Senior Advisor, Indigenous Cultural Competency, Alberta Health Services
Chelsea is a proud member of Piikani First Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy, located in southern Alberta. Her career path led her to a focus on Indigenous health and she has worked with organizations including First Nation Inuit Health Branch, Treaty 7 Tribal Council, First Nation communities, and Alberta Health Services.
“My goal is to increase awareness, education, and competency among health professionals and increase positive health experiences and outcomes for Indigenous patients and families.”
Julie Lys MN:NP (AU 2007)
Indigenous Nurse Practitioner
Julie is a nurse practitioner in the Northwest Territories, with expertise in cultural safety and Indigenous health issues. She received AU’s Distinguished Alumna Award in 2016.
Norma Rabbitskin, BN (AU 2016) RN
Senior Health Nurse, Sturgeon Lake First Nation
Norma is a fluent Cree speaker from Big River First Nation in Saskatchewan. She has 30 years of diverse nursing experience in hospital, community health, and primary care settings in the North. For the past 20 years, she has worked for Sturgeon Lake First Nation as the Senior Health Nurse, overseeing primary care, community health, and home care programs. Norma is a strong proponent of the continual enhancement of community-based programs and research initiatives, working with elders and knowledge-keepers to maintain traditional healing practices and achieve wellness in all aspects of daily life.
“Conciliation is when everyone is in service to the well-being of the community. I hope to have students come into their own knowledge of Indigenous culture and become lifelong learners.”
Updated March 08, 2023 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)