Mino Pimawatizwin – Journey Toward the Good Life Workshop - First Nations, Inuit, & Métis Program

Strengthening holistic wellness in Indigenous community health.  

In this immersive workshop, participants will deepen their understanding of Cultural Safety and Humility in Indigenous health contexts, apply Trauma-Informed Care approaches to address the impacts of historical and ongoing trauma, and explore the shift from Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness to foster healthier work and care environments. Participants will gain practical skills in Harm Reduction, including Naloxone use, and consider how personal perspectives influence professional growth. The workshop also introduces the therapeutic benefits of nature, including a guided Forest and Nature Therapy Walk (within the biome) to enhance cognitive, emotional, and stress regulation.

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Understand the principles of Cultural Safety and Humility in the context of Indigenous communities and health care.

• Apply Trauma-Informed Care approaches to their practice, recognizing the impact of historical and ongoing trauma on wholistic health.

• Explore the shift from Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness and promote healthier, more supportive work and care environments.

• Gain practical knowledge in Harm Reduction strategies, including Naloxone access and administration.

• Explore how your perspective can impact personal and professional growth.

• Understand the positive impacts of time spent in nature on cognitive function, emotional regulation, and stress reduction, gain an understanding of the origins and core practices of nature and forest therapy, and participate in a guided Forest and Nature Therapy Walk.

Audience: 

Anyone interested in the topics covered, including Health, Social and Educational professionals and providers working in or with Indigenous Communities in Manitoba. E.g. Health Directors, Program Managers, Social Workers, Nurses, Counsellors, Educators, Jordan’s Principle Workers, Community Health Representatives, Support workers. Etc.

Facilitators: Tyler Geisler, RSW, MSW, Victoria Mckay, BSc., M.Ed., C.C.C.

To register: Good Life

Indigenous Healthcare Policy and Procedure Development Program - First Nations, Inuit, & Métis Program

Learners will learn to create policies and procedures rooted in strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant approaches.

The program aligns with accreditation requirements but is applicable to learners working within accredited and non-accredited organizations.  The program guides participants through developing and implementing healthcare policies and procedures within Indigenous communities and organizations. The course is divided into four 2-hour sessions, where participants will learn about and actively craft their policies and procedures, guided by the policy and procedure life cycle. Interactive tools will be used to enhance engagement and collaboration among participants.

Upon program completion, learners will have gained knowledge related to:

• Navigating the policy and procedure life cycle, from identifying a need to retirement.

• Drafting, implementing, and monitoring a policy or procedure for an identified need.

• Understand the factors that are crucial components of an effective policy and procedure and describe how these factors affect the process of writing your policy and procedure.

• Strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant approaches while developing and implementing policies and procedures.

• The importance of regularly reviewing and updating policies and procedures to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.

Audience:

• Healthcare Professionals, Providers & Leaders

• Accreditation Coordinators / Quality Improvement Leads

• Community Health Representatives

Course instructors are highly experienced facilitators with knowledge of Indigenous healthcare policy and procedure development, cultural relevance, trauma-informed care, and accreditation standards.

To register: Indigenous Healthcare Policy

Indigenous Patient Navigation Program - First Nations, Inuit, & Métis Program

This course equips participants with foundational knowledge and skills needed to navigate and understand how Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs) roles work within the healthcare team to reduce barriers and support health equity to improve outcomes for patients and their families.

The course guides participants through the IPN competencies to strengthen skills that will be used to advocate for and support a culturally safe environment for Indigenous people across Canada. Throughout the 6 sessions, the learners will learn how the roles of Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs) work within the healthcare team to reduce barriers and support health equity to improve outcomes for patients and their families.

Upon program completion, learners will have gained knowledge related to:

• IPN Competencies: Learn how the roles of Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs) work within the healthcare team to reduce barriers and support health equity to improve outcomes for patients and their families.

• Cultural Safety: Enhance understanding of cultural safety, humility, respect, and relevance when working in and with Indigenous communities, and with community members, and families.

• Advocacy: The program guides participants through the IPN competencies to strengthen skills that will be used to advocate for and support a culturally safe environment.

• Asset Mapping: Learn to apply a strength-based approach to identify resources relevant to patient navigation within the community and outside of the community.

• Non-Insured Health Benefits: Learn skills to navigate NIHB.

• Self-care: Learn strategies to distinguish between under-involvement and over-involvement within the zone of helpfulness to meet client needs.

Audience:

• Healthcare Professionals & Leaders

• Indigenous Patient Navigators

• Community Health Representatives

• Supervisors

• Program Planners

This course will be taught by an Indigenous Registered Nurse alongside a Registered Nurse who is an ally to the Indigenous community.

To register: Patient Navigation

Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility in Canadian Healthcare Course - First Nations, Inuit, & Métis Program

This course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally safe and trauma-informed care to Indigenous populations.

This course will cover the importance of understanding bias, the impact of historical trauma, and strategies for implementing culturally safe practices in healthcare settings. This course will support participants’ understanding and appreciation of cultural differences, fostering inclusivity and effective communication across cultural boundaries. Recognizing the importance of Indigenous perspectives, the curriculum integrates principles of Indigenous cultural safety and humility, emphasizing respect, reciprocity, and relationship-building with Indigenous peoples and communities.

By engaging with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, participants will develop the necessary skills and attitudes to navigate intercultural interactions with sensitivity and respect, contributing to building more inclusive and equitable environments. This course explores the historical impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples and acknowledges the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) calls to action as a framework for learning and action. This is a virtual program provided in one session (2.5 hours).

Upon program completion, learners will have gained knowledge related to:

• Historical Context: Understanding of how historical events such as residential schools and the 60’s scoop have impacted Indigenous Peoples lives throughout history and in today’s environments.

• Cultural Safety and Humility: Enhance understanding of cultural safety, humility and respect when working in and with Indigenous communities, community members, and families.

• Unconscious Bias: Reflect and understand conscious bias vs unconscious bias, and how it affects our interactions with each other.

• Trauma- Informed Approach: Apply trauma-informed approaches to real life situations when interacting with Indigenous clients, patients and family members to ensure their well-being is considered on emotional, physical, mental and spiritual aspects.  

Audience:

• Health and social service professionals, providers, and leaders, human resource professionals

• This course can be adapted to fit the needs of other service industries as needed

This program can be delivered in-person upon request.

To register: Cultural Safety and Humility

Métis People and Health Course - First Nations, Inuit, & Métis Program

A course for anyone interested in learning more about Métis people and health.

This course was developed in the spirit of collaboration and partnership between the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) and the SE Health First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program. Funding for this course was provided by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.  It is our collective hope that you will find the learnings from this course useful in your work and interactions with Métis people.

The Métis People and Health course is available publicly to all interested learners at no cost.  It has been developed based upon one module in a larger course called Métis Cancer Care, also developed with the MNA.  This larger course is available to all health care providers working with Métis, First Nations or Inuit people through our online learning platform @YourSide Colleague

The Métis People and Health course is focused on Métis people in Alberta and will help you to better understand the following:

• Métis as a distinct culture and identity

• Métis in terms of historical and intergenerational trauma and social determinants of health

• Importance of using culturally safe strategies in talking with Métis clients

• Recognize the structure of the Métis Nation of Alberta and its role in supporting health and wellness

• Recognizing the health status of Métis as distinct from other Indigenous groups

Audience:

• This course is intended for anyone interested in learning more about Métis people and health.

• It may be particularly useful for Nurses (LPNs, RPNs, RNs, NPs) working in or with Métis people in Alberta and across Canada,   

• It will also be useful to new and seasoned nurses looking to support their professional development. As well as nursing students nearing graduation and interested in working in Métis people.

• It is recommended for health professionals to take the full Metis Cancer Course on @YourSide Colleague if they are looking to inform their work with Métis in a cancer context including the challenges experienced in by Métis people during their cancer journey.

This is a self-directed learning course  approximately 1 hour in length on our LMS system.

Health Care Providers:  Access an account on @YourSide Colleague at no cost. Visit https://fnim.learn.sehc.com/login and click the sign-up link.

To register: People and Health

Red Road Healing Society

Red Road Healing Society Offers a number of courses and sessions for Indigenous community members, please contact them for more information. See some of the available offerings below: 

• Addiction Services

• Adolescent Programs

• Akicita Youth Program

• Annual Events

• Baby Bonding 

• Baby, Think It Over

• Career Development

• Children’s Programs

• Collective Kitchens

• Counseling 

• Crafts

• Culture Night

• Educational Services

• Family Programs

• Family Violence

• Workshops

• Grandparents Circle

• Grieving Workshops

• Healing Circles

• Health Services

• Home Support

• Housing Program

• Legal Services

• Literacy

• Longhouse Family Night

• Outreach 

• Parenting

• Prenatal Workshops

• Prevention Programs

• Referral

• Rhyming

• Seasonal Events 

• School Outreach

• Social Services

• Soup and Bannock

• Speakers

• Storytelling

• Substance Prevention

• Summer Kids Camp

• Summer Workshops

• Survivor Workshops

• Tipi-Making

• Tobacco Prevention

• 12 Step Work

To register: Red Road Healing Society - Contact

Indigenous Wellness Parenting Program – Ben Calf Robe

A strength-based program that supports parents to build valuable skills and healthy relationships with their children while honouring traditional Indigenous Ways of Knowing.

Parents will enhance their parenting skills in a positive, effective, and enjoyable way while honouring our Indigenous Ways of Knowing. Parents will learn strategies on how to best connect with their child(ren) and have a rewarding parent/child relationship. 

Our program is designed to support trauma informed persons served. We believe in using a strengths-based approach – persons served are led by their own strengths in which determine their outcome. Together we can decolonize our mind, body, and soul through a holistic traditional way.

Some Parenting Topics Include:

• Structure & Routine

• Residential School System

• Impacts of Intergenerational trauma

• Developmental stages of life

• Emotional Regulation

• Medicine Wheel Teachings

• Identity/purpose/culture

• Stress Management

• Communication

• Family Violence

• Grief and Loss

• Self-Esteem/Self-care

• Anger Management

• Conflict Resolution

• Attachment & Bonding

• Relationships & Boundaries

• Parenting Styles

• Behaviour Management

• Traditional Sharing Circles

To register: Ben Calf Robe – Indigenous Wellness Parenting Program

Indigenous Canada – University of Alberta

Learn the complexities of Indigenous history in Canada and the struggles they face in preserving their well-being in modern society.

Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.

From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.

Indigenous Canada is for students from faculties outside the Faculty of Native Studies with an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships.

To register: Coursera – UofA Indigenous Canada

Indigenous Perspectives on Trauma, Vicarious Trauma and Wellness – Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

Free for First Nations community wellness workers, this online course covers various aspects of trauma and resilience in Indigenous culture.

This course builds upon the strengths of Indigenous peoples, utilizing Culture as Foundation, to understand the experience of collective trauma, historical, intergenerational, and vicarious trauma. In doing so, the course explores trauma and its effects on individuals and communities and explore ways to promote healing and resilience, including the application and use of the Indigenous Wellness Framework (IWF) and First Nations Mental Wellness Framework (FNMWC). Additionally, the course will provide guidance on stress, vicarious trauma, burnout, and workplace wellness, exploring ways to promote self-care and organizational wellness.

To register: ThunderbirdPF – Online Course Sign-Up

First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework Implementation – Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

Free for First Nations community wellness workers, This 3-day virtual training provides participants with an understanding of the key themes and concepts of the Continuum framework.

This training is designed to guide the design of new or existing programs and services to improve Indigenous wellness outcomes, using culture as foundation.

To register: ThunderbirdPF – Training Calendar

Curanderismo: Traditional Healing Using Plants – University of New Mexico

Learn about how plants are used in traditional Hispanic/Latino healing medicine.

As one of four courses on Curanderismo, the art of Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine, this course focuses specifically on the use of plants in traditional healing. As an educational and cultural platform, this course will share the history, influences, and contributions of traditional medicine. Trained traditional healers will share their knowledge of the healing properties of plants commonly found in the Southwestern United States and Mexico through practical applications that can still be used today. Learners will not become certified traditional healers at the completion of this course but will be able apply basic principles or traditional medicine to approach health and illnesses. They will become familiar specifically with the use of plants for the digestive and nervous systems; how to prepare tinctures and microdosis for healing; how to use juice therapy and geotherapy (clay combined with plants) for treatments; and the use of herbal oils and herbal smoke for healing.

To register: Coursera – UNM – C:THUP

Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Mind, Energy & Spirit – University of New Mexico

Learn ways to support your mind, energy, and spirit, through Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine.

As the third of four courses on Curanderismo, the art of Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine, this course focuses specifically on traditional healing of mind, energy and spirit. As an educational and cultural platform, this course will share a number of traditional body therapies. Trained traditional healers will share their knowledge of cleansings from different cultures such as spiritual, energetic and Tonalli Cleansing.

Learners will not become certified traditional healers at the completion of this course but will be able apply basic principles or traditional medicine for health and illnesses. They will become familiar specifically with the traditional therapy of the sweat lodge temazcal, laugh therapy risaterapia and they will learn about the creation of sacred spaces and healing grief through Día de los Muertos.

To register: Coursera – UNM – C:ThMES