Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Health Interventions
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm excited to be talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in Indigenous health and the lead instructor for the new Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Health Interventions. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about this course and what inspired you to create it? GUEST: Thanks for having me! This course is designed to equip health professionals, policymakers, and community leaders with the knowledge and skills to address complex health challenges faced by Indigenous communities. I was inspired by the need to focus on culturally safe and effective health promotion and disease prevention strategies, which respect Indigenous knowledges and worldviews. HOST: That sounds fascinating. How does this program stand out from other courses in the field, and what current industry trends does it address? GUEST: Our program emphasizes community-based participatory research, health system reform, and culturally appropriate intervention design. It addresses current trends such as the growing recognition of the importance of cultural safety, health equity, and ethical considerations in research and practice. HOST: I can imagine there are unique challenges when working in Indigenous health. Can you share some of the challenges you've faced or anticipate students might encounter while learning or teaching this subject? GUEST: Absolutely. Some challenges include addressing historical trauma, systemic racism, and the need to build trust with Indigenous communities. It's crucial to approach this subject with humility, respect, and a commitment to decolonizing research and practice. HOST: That's a powerful perspective. As we look to the future, what are your thoughts on the potential impact of this course on improving Indigenous health outcomes and advancing careers in the field? GUEST: I believe our graduates will be well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to improving Indigenous health outcomes and advancing their careers. By fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledges, health equity, and ethical considerations, we can help create a more inclusive and effective health care system for all. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. We're excited about the launch of the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Health Interventions and the positive impact it can have on Indigenous communities. GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's an honor to be part of this important conversation and to help inspire change in the field of Indigenous health.
