Mandatory Class on ‘Indigenous Health’ for U. Alberta Nursing Students Teaches ‘Systemic Racism’

Mandatory Class on ‘Indigenous Health’ for U. Alberta Nursing Students Teaches ‘Systemic Racism’

It appears that Canada has embraced the idea of social justice in medicine.

The College Fix reports:

Mandatory ‘Indigenous Health’ class for U. Alberta nursing students teaches ‘systemic racism’

A required nursing class at the University of Alberta teaches students about “systemic racism” and “Indigenous ways” of understanding “health … and being one with nature,” a dean of the nursing school told The College Fix.

However, the course has prompted concerns about a growing emphasis on “identity politics” in healthcare.

Dr. Joanne Olson, professor and vice dean of nursing at the university, told The College Fix that she “absolutely” believes the “Indigenous Health in Canada” class should be mandatory for nursing students.

“Students learn about the legacy of systemic racism against our Indigenous people and the public health crisis that has resulted due to racism and racial trauma,” Olson said in a recent email.

The course catalog describes it as “the beginning step to culturally safe interaction and practice. Focus is on introducing students to a variety of historical realities and contemporary issues relevant to Indigenous health in Canada.”

The university created the class in “response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action,” a report by the government to “advance the process of Canadian reconciliation” toward students and families impacted by its former residential schools for Indigenous people.

Olson said the topics that they discuss include “(1) Aboriginal health issues, (2) The history and legacy of residential schools, (3) The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, (4) Treaties and Aboriginal rights, (5) Indigenous Teachings and Practices.”

“As Canadians, we have an obligation to incorporate this important part of our history into the basic curricula of all health professionals as there are strong links between past events and trauma and current health issues of the Indigenous population,” Olson said.

Students also can learn a lot “from Indigenous ways in terms of health promotion and being at one with nature,” she told The Fix. “These lessons can offer us valuable knowledge as we try to deal with the current issues that face us today (climate change, mental health issues, intergenerational trauma etc.).”

However, when contacted about the course, Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, chair of the medical organization Do No Harm, raised concerns about its ideological focus. His organization works to end identity politics in medicine.

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