To Know Better is to Do Better: Translating Indigenous Knowledge to Health Practice

Building on the agency and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples an evidence-based curriculum for health clinicians has been developed, pilot-tested and prepared for broader translation across Mi'kma'ki. In response to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls health-related Calls to Action and justice an Indigenous-led innovative 6 module cultural safety curriculum ('Introduction to Cultural Safety in Healthcare for Indigenous People") has been created. The curriculum was informed by research with several First Nations communities in Mi'kma'ki and a partnership with Tajkemik Mi'kmaq Health and Wellness, Dalhousie University and IWK Health Centre. The cross-sector partnership has generated community recommendations related to ways to improve the health care experience for First Nations People. The course modules include 1) Orientation/Overview, 2) Indigenous History, 3) Impact of Colonizing History on Health, 4) Laissez-faire Racism 5) Clinical Strategies, and 6) Application of Strategies through Case -based Learning. Pilot data demonstrated uptake of knowledge and impact on skills in culturally safe care. The aim of this mixed measures (before, during and after) study is to evaluate uptake of provider knowledge and practice changes among a diverse group of health professionals from three healthcare settings in Mi'kma'ki: two tertiary, two regional and the Mi'kmaq community Health Centres. Outcomes measured will include: learner knowledge related to laissez -faire racism, beliefs and biases, historical events that impact Indigenous people, culturally safe clinician behaviour in care and advocacy in action. The project makes a tangible contribution to addressing TRC and MMIWG Calls to enhance provider knowledge and care behaviours in practice.