Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Indigenous Practicum Preparation

Course Description

This course sensitizes students to the theory and practice of Indigenous public health through cultural safety training, which will be explored using lectures, discussions, demonstrations, client case studies, and health promotion practice exercises. The first part of the course will introduce students to the principles of cultural safety, the second part will explore critical issues in Indigenous public health practice, including ethics, cultural protocols, trauma-informed perspectives, racism and decolonization.

Course Objectives

The purpose of the course is to prepare students for appropriate and ethical cross cultural or inter-cultural interactions in Indigenous practicum settings. All students in this course should be planning to engage in practicum settings in Indigenous communities or working with Indigenous individuals. Class discussion will center on practicum plans and possible challenges arising in the practicum setting.

Students will learn basic cultural safety practices with Indigenous individuals and communities, which includes forging and maintaining a professional alliance based on public health program activities. Students will explore Indigenous and biomedical health practices, in the context of decolonization and self-determination. The course will also address working with specific vulnerable populations including trauma survivors and examine specific models and protocols. Discussion of the ethics of the professional relationship and use of positionality in public health practices will be incorporated throughout the course.

Methods of Assessment

Program Case Study	40%
Group Presentation	35%
Reflection on Change Paper	25%