New USask Indigenous health department first of its kind in Canada – USask News
Oct 3, 2023
The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine is creating a first of its kind department in a Canadian medical school, dedicated to improving the health outcomes of Indigenous Peoples in Saskatchewan through academics and education.
The Department of Indigenous Health and Wellness received University Council approval in April 2023, and will serve as a welcoming space for Indigenous health researchers, learners, and faculty in the college. Indigenous health is a priority for the college and its new department will include collaborations across the university.
“We’re creating the structure that will allow Indigenous voices to tell us where we need to go,” said Dr. Janet Tootoosis (MD), interim vice-dean Indigenous health. “We’re creating a community but we’re also creating a physical space where people can connect and learn about what’s happening in the College of Medicine.”
The new department will be Indigenous-led and ensure research is informed by Indigenous community needs. It will also influence how medical education and scholarship incorporates Indigenous knowledge and systems.
