1

Aboriginal Initiative

College of Medicine,

University of Saskatchewan

2

Aboriginal Initiative “The primary objective is to achieve a student body…

representative of the changing demographic… with respect to the rising Aboriginal population”

Since its establishment the C of M has graduated 17 physicians of Aboriginal ancestry, with 2 enrolled since 1997. The School of Physical Therapy has enrolled 3 since 2000.

To reflect current demographics and meet the College’s social contract, 10 of 60 students admitted each year should be of Aboriginal ancestry.

3

Why strive for equity? Demographic: current Aboriginal population 12 –

15% with estimated 2020 population of >25% Service: disproportionate users of health care

resources due to generally low socioeconomic status and other health determinants

Social Accountability: Aboriginal peoples are the most marginalized group in our society, both regionally and nationally

4

Why strive for equity?

Accreditation: “existing policies are insufficient to address the college’s implied social contract and expectations of the rapidly growing Aboriginal population of the province” (CACMS/LCME April 2002).

5

U of S “Framework for Planning”

“At the University of Saskatchewan, we must dedicate ourselves to making available to all Aboriginal peoples the full range of our programs, and we must adopt strategies that will improve their ability to succeed”

6

University of Saskatchewan

Responding to the Needs of Aboriginal Peoples:

A Conceptual Framework

7

Aboriginal Conceptual Framework

Academic Programs: The U of S degree and certificate programs should be distinguished by their breadth and by the inclusion of Aboriginal knowledge in the curriculum.

Student Affairs: The U of S should aim for national leadership in innovative programs and services designed to recruit and retain Aboriginal students.

8

Aboriginal Conceptual Framework

Research: The U of S will become a national centre of excellence in research directly related to Aboriginal peoples.

Community Outreach: The U of S should be more visible, engaged and knowledgeable about community issues. It should participate in locally-based research projects that are immediately relevant to Aboriginal communities.

9

Aboriginal Conceptual Framework

Cultural Programs: Faculty, students and staff at the U of S should be sensitive to and knowledgeable about the history and culture of Aboriginal people. Opportunities to understand and celebrate Aboriginal language and culture both on campus and in the Aboriginal community should be available.

10

Aboriginal Conceptual Framework

Coordination: The U of S should significantly enhance integration of its programs and services and develop effective working partnerships with the Aboriginal community.

11

University Initiatives Establishment of Aboriginal Students’ Centre. Director

Kathleen Makela. Funds secured for construction with project currently in the design and consultation stage.

Appointment of George Lafond, Special Advisor (2002). Integrated planning process with Ken Coates, creation and

ratification of “Forging New Relationships: The Foundational Document on Aboriginal Initiatives at the University of Saskatchewan” (2003).

12

University InitiativesHuman Resources

Candace Wasacase-Lafferty appointed Aboriginal Cross-Cultural facilitated workshops:

70 – 80 university employees per year, 40% CUPE, 40% ASPA, 20% Faculty. Mix of historical and contemporary themes, with a focus on employment issues.

Piloting of on-line format

13

SMAR(3)T: Science and Math for Aboriginal Students: Recruitment,

Retention, Research, and Transition David Cowan, Arts & Science, with support from

Agriculture, Medicine, Engineering and Extension Proposed On-campus unit, administered jointly by Arts &

Science and Extension , with both university and community initiatives from “K to PhD”: 1) K – 12, 2) Transition Off and 3) On-Campus, 4) Academic Support, 5) Graduate Studies & Research, 6) Employment.

14

SMAR(3)T Consultations with FSIN, FNUC, SIIT, Northern

Labour Board. Advocacy for the extension of TEPS programs to

the secondary level, on-campus and extension support of Aboriginal math and science teachers and an “Aboriginal” science curriculum.

Continued consultation and communication with partnered Colleges.

15

Arts & Sciences Initiatives

Arts and Science Aboriginal Coordinator, Charlotte Ross

Aboriginal First Year Experience Program (2003). Coordinator Jamie Fiddler. Provides tutor support & Aboriginal content to aid transition and retention. (Current attrition 44%, vs. norm of 25%)

16

Arts and Sciences Initiatives

Super Saturdays with Extension Division Muskoday Program for Grade XII exposure: Lee

Wilson FSIN mobile Summer Science Camp Aboriginal Tutoring Program 2003 enrollment: A&S 540 (BSc 56), Engineering

54, Graduate Studies 22

17

C of M Aboriginal Initiative: Goals

Increase Aboriginal medical student enrollment

Recruit Aboriginal faculty

Create a receptive environment for both

18

C of M Aboriginal Initiative: Increased Enrollment

Pre-university primary and secondary school initiatives to promote science training and a career in the Health Sciences

Action: Support of and coordination with Native Access Program to Nursing, Promotion of Medicine at career fairs, Aboriginal conferences and in communities, SPT “Super Saturday” involvement, (Aboriginal) role modeling

19

C of M Pre-Med Initiatives SMAR(3)T Tracking and encouraging Aboriginal students to consider

the Health Sciences. Pre-med Awards of $2,500: 3 1st year and 3 2nd year

(2003) Aboriginal Exposure (Dr. Sibley): one day clinical

experiences in lieu of prior 2 week mentorship's. MCAT support (tutoring & library reference centre)

20

C of M Pre-Med Initiatives

Aboriginal Access Program Health Sciences Deans’ Committee (Kinesiology,

Medicine,Nursing, Physical Therapy, Pharmacology & Nutrition, Physical Therapy) Working Group on Aboriginal Health: coordination in realms of recruitment, retention, laddering, faculty and curricular development and community consultation.

21

C of M Undergrad Initiatives

Thematic review of curriculum Co-presentation on Aboriginal Population Health

by James Irvine and Don Caisse Lifecycles and Humanities Wanuskewin pilot:

Historical Context and Treaty, Traditional Healing Practices and Protocols, Beliefs and Ceremonies

Aboriginal Health Issues: Lucy Nickel

22

C of M Undergrad Initiatives

Over subscribed northern Community Experience NMS Clinical Clerkship rotations Environmental scan: ACMC, NAHO, U of C

(Lynden Crowshoe), U of A. Dean’s consultations with Aboriginal medical

students

23

C of M Post-Grad Initiatives

Recruitment to Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and CH&E

Aboriginal Health community exposure: Regina Four Directions, Saskatoon relocation, Prince Albert Rural, NMS Ile a la Crosse and La Ronge

Clinical Part-time Aboriginal Faculty: Lucy Nickel, Janet Tootoosis

24

C of Medicine Faculty Development

Recruitment initiatives: Family Medicine, CH&E, Psychiatry

Aboriginal Health Speakers’ Series: FSIN Vice-Chief Lawrence Joseph, Dr. Clifford Traszer (co-sponsored College of Law Bilson Lecturer), Dr. Mehl-Medrona, Dr. Malcolm King

25

C of M Research Initiatives

CH&E recruitment of Dr. Janet Smiley, MPH MD CCFP as Director, Indigenous Peoples’ Health Research Centre

Increasing number of collaborative research endeavors

26

Community Consultations

Health Sciences Deans’ Working Group Elders’ Consultation: recommended inclusion of Elders in initiative development, inclusion of experiential and Indigenous Knowledge curricula, and an expansion of the College’s relationship with the Elders and Aboriginal community.

Dean’s ongoing community and RHA consultations

27

Recommendations Appointment of a Director of Aboriginal Affairs

with responsibilities in the domains of Aboriginal student recruitment and support, post-graduate retention, curricular development, faculty and research support, and Health Sciences,university, and community liaison.

Appointment and utilization of an Elder or Elders, with appropriate recognition, in development of the College’s Aboriginal initiatives.

28

Recommendations

Further review of the undergraduate curriculum with iterative learning opportunities from the cognitive to the experiential, including Indigenous Knowledge.

Invitation of Prof. W. Ermine, FNUC, to speak on Ethical Space as a construct for future collaboration and development. An appointment with ongoing consultation should be explored.

29

Recommendations Require all C of M Aboriginal specific teaching, research

or service initiatives to include meaningful Aboriginal consultation and collaboration.

Meet or exceed the standards established in the university’s Conceptual Framework. Develop and promote legitimate, inclusive Aboriginal Health education to the level that the College of Medicine becomes a national and international leader in this domain.