Reconciliation for Professionals: Working with Indigenous Populations

Course description

This foundational course unpacks the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the role of the Indian Act in establishing colonial systems in which Indigenous peoples were not meant to thrive and survive. Often Indigenous individuals, families and communities struggle accessing culturally relevant and responsive services. Many report feeling further marginalized, misunderstood and discriminated against when attempting to seek out assistance across many different industries, including but not limited to education, health care and justice systems, as well as across public service sectors. The aim of this course is to unpack the history of colonialism, examine the impact on present day Indigenous communities, and establish more effective and better informed approaches and protocols for working with Indigenous communities. Participants will come away with a better understanding of the importance of the TRC’s 94 Calls to action and their responsibility to take an active role in achieving these goals as professionals.

Course details