Education

Ethos

The Centre for Wise Practices (GCWP-IH) uses a strength-based approach to Indigenous Health Education while working with individuals and program leaders. Reconciliation must involve the restoration of Indigenous knowledge systems and wellness frameworks, led by Indigenous people and their communities.

The Centre is working to close the health gaps experienced by Indigenous peoples. The development of holistic educational opportunities for learners and staff are inclusive of Indigenous ways of knowing. Core principles of our educational programs include:

  • Community−informed education, research and clinical care that prioritizes Indigenous perspectives of wellbeing and healing (spiritual, emotional, mental, physical).

  • Indigenous−led relationship development that reflects the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

  • Education about wise practices for reconciliation in health care; anti-racism/bias, cultural safety and trauma-informed training opportunities.

  • Facilitation of traditional First Nations, Inuit, and Métis healing practices that respect the diverse needs of all Indigenous peoples.

Small Group and One-on-One Guidance for Wise Practices in Reconciliation

Workshops offered to WCH staff, faculty, educators, learners and all leadership.

  • Cultural Humility

  • Cultural Safety

  • Reconciliation

  • Decolonization

  • Institutional Commitment Strategies

  • Trauma-informed Care and Approaches

  • Holistic and Strength-based Approaches

  • Indigenous Diversity and Ways of Being

  • Indigenous Elder Engagement

  • Placed-based Learning

  • Respect and Positionality (Allyship)

  • Indigenous Data Sovereignty

  • Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategies

  • Relationship Building

  • Diversity and Equity

  • Anti-Indigenous Racism

  • San’Yas Debriefing Workshop

  • Personal and Program-based Commitments

PROJECTS & PROGRAMS

  • Wise Practices in Health Research

    In partnership with Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions Virtual Care (WIHV), GCWP-IH team members hosted an afternoon, June 15, 2023, workshop designed to explore what allied health research and working with First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities in a “good way” entails across all phases of the research cycle. The goal of this workshop was for allied non-Indigenous researchers to better understand their roles and responsibilities when engaging in community-partnered research initiatives.

  • Cultural Inclusion and Accountability in Health Research Workshop

    In partnership with the Office of Research at WCH, GCWP-IH organized a full-day workshop for relevant WCH staff that focused on community-driven health research. The workshop featured leaders in community-partnered Indigenous and Black Health research programs and initiatives in urban contexts. GCWP-IH team members continue to work closely with the Office of Research to help drive innovation and promote a right-based approach to Indigenousness Health Research.

  • Niigaan Ezhi-Wiidsendiying – Indigenous Community Engaged Learning

    Niigaan ezhi-wiidsendiying (how we walk into the future together) is a program in partnership with the Centre for Community Partnerships at the University of Toronto. The program matches paid placements for First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis students with Indigenous community organizations for up to 100 hours of work from October April. Students also take part in reflection sessions, including fireside gatherings and virtual sharing circle check ins, all bundled with traditional activities or teachings.

  • Emily Stowe Scholarship Program Steering Committee

    Recognizing the need for greater diversity within health research, the Women’s

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  • Zka’an ni-bmiwdoowin Gchi-kinoomaadwinan (ZNGBK)

    Zka'an ni-bmiwdoowin Gchi-kinoomaadwinan (ZNGBK), Building the Fire, Walking with Medicine is

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