In response to the relevant 2015 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the IHPP aims to enhance Indigenous health education that supports all learners and educators to provide culturally-safe care in their practice and relations with Indigenous peoples, with a focus on the needs identified by Indigenous Peoples.
Call to Action #22. We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.
Call 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.
Call to Action #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
The current role of IHPP in curriculum development is to provide consultation and mentoring to each of the schools as their Indigenous health curricula evolve, create opportunities for faculty development in line with the principles of community engagement, and advocate for equitable processes for both Indigenous students and educators.
