Supporting Your Learning Journey

About the Knowledge Bundle

The Cultural Competency Knowledge Bundle is a curated collection of articles, books, podcasts, videos, webinars, and online resources designed to support ongoing learning about Indigenous histories, perspectives, cultural safety, ethical engagement, and reconciliation.

Developed as part of the Learning Pathway, this living resource brings together teachings from Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Keepers, educators, storytellers, and community leaders, alongside resources from organizations working to advance culturally safe healthcare and research.

The Knowledge Bundle is open to anyone interested in expanding their understanding of Indigenous perspectives and strengthening their cultural competency. Whether you are new to this learning journey or looking to deepen existing knowledge, the resources can be explored at your own pace and are intended to support ongoing learning, reflection, relationship-building, and action.

Recommended Starting Point

If you’re new to Indigenous cultural safety, engagement, and culturally safe research practices, we recommend beginning with:

Furthering Cultural Safety in Kidney Care Within Indigenous Communities: A Systematic and Narrative Review

This article explores the importance of cultural safety in kidney care and highlights practical considerations for improving care and research involving Indigenous peoples.

Articles

  • Smith, M., Silva e Silva, V., Schick-Makaroff, K., Kappel, J., Bachynski, J. C., Monague, V., Paré, G. C., & Ross-White, A. (2021). Furthering cultural safety in kidney care within indigenous communities: A systematic and Narrative Review. Kidney Medicine, 3(6), 896–904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xkme.2021.04.023
  • Jull, J., King, A., King, M., Graham, I.D., Morton Ninomiya, M.E. Jacklin, K., Moody-Corbett, P.& Moore, J. E. (2020). A principled approach to research conducted with Inuit, Métis, and First Nations people: Promoting engagement inspired by the CIHR Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal People (2007-2010). The International Indigenous Policy Journal, 11(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.18584/iipj.2020.11.2.10635
  • Rix, Liz & Moran, Charles & Kapeen, Russell & Wilson, Shawn. (2016). Building cultural bridges and two-way understanding: Working with Australian Aboriginal people within mainstream renal services. Renal Society of Australasia Journal. 12. doi: https://doi.org/10.18584/iipj.2020.11.2.10635
  • Tremblay, M-C., Bradette-Laplante, M., Bérubé, D., Brière, É., Moisan, N., Niquay, D., Dogba, M-J., Légaré, F., McComber, A., McGavock, J., Witteman H-O. (2020). Engaging indigenous patient partners in patient-oriented research: lessons from a one-year initiative. Research Involvement and Engagement BMJ 6:44 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-020-00216-3

Web Collections

Videos and Webinars

  • San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Collaborative | https://www.icscollaborative.com/webinars |
  • Recommended webinars:
    • Status Quo: How health system design prevents impactful transformation of Indigenous patient care
    • Two Spirit and Indigiqueer cultural safety: Considerations for relational practice and policy
  • Can Good People Participate in Systemic Racism? | Cecil Sveinson | April 2022 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx77SdMXLDE

Podcasts

Indigenous Research Books

  • Absolon, K. E. (2011). Kaandossiwin = how we come to know. Fernwood Pub.
  • Davidson, S. F., & Davidson, R. (2018). Potlatch as pedagogy: Learning through ceremony. Portage & Main Press.
  • Kovach, M. (2021). Indigenous methodologies: Characteristics, conversations, and contexts. University of Toronto Press.
  • Redvers, N. (2019). The science of the sacred: Bridging global indigenous medicine systems and modern scientific principles. North Atlantic Books.
  • Smith, L. T. (2012). Decolonizing methodologies: Research and indigenous peoples (2nd edition). Zed Books.
  • Wilson, S. (2008). Research is ceremony: Indigenous Research Methods. Fernwood Pub.
  • Younging, G. (2018). Elements of indigenous style a guide for writing by and about indigenous peoples. Brush Education.

Additional Book Suggestions

  • Archibald, J.-ann. (2014). Indigenous storywork: Educating the heart, mind, body, and spirit. UBC Press.
  • Belcourt, C., Flamand, R., Whitford, O., Burnouf, L., & Richardson, R. (2007). Medicines to help us: Traditional métis plant use: Study Prints & Resource Guide. Gabriel Dumont Institute.
  • Joseph, B. (2018). 21 things you may not know about the Indian Act: helping Canadians make reconciliation with Indigenous peoples a reality. Indigenous Relations Press.
  • Joseph, B (2019).  Insights, Tips & Suggestions to make reconciliation a reality.  Indigenous Relations Press.
  • King, T. (2012). The inconvenient indian: a curious account of native people in north america. Doubleday Canada.
  • Knott, H (2019). In my own moccasins:  A memoir of resilience.  University of Regina Press
  • Linklater, R. (2016). Decolonizing trauma work: Indigenous stories and Strategies. Langara College.
  • McDiarmid, J.  Highway of Tears.  Penguin Random House, Anchor Canada.
  • Treuer, A. (2021). Everything you wanted to know about Indians but were afraid to ask. Levine Querido.
  • Vowel, C. (2018). Indigenous writes: A guide to first nations, Métis, and Inuit issues in Canada. W. Ross MacDonald School Resource Services Library.
  • Wemigwans, J. (2018). Digital Bundle: Protecting and promoting Indigenous Knowledge Online. University of Regina.

Learning is a Journey

Cultural competency is not achieved through a single course, book, podcast, or conversation. It is an ongoing process of learning, reflection, relationship-building, and action.

We invite you to return regularly as new resources are added and shared through the Learning Pathway.