Building respectful partnerships with Indigenous peoples

Wabishki Bizhiko Skaanj (wah-bish-kih biish-ih-goo skaa-nch) is a training platform that aims to enhance knowledge and awareness of racial biases, Indigenous voices and stories, the impact of colonization on Indigenous health, and culturally safe health research practices.

The learning pathway comprises existing resources, such as San’yas, OCAP, Tri-Council Policy Statement Chapter 9, and the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, in addition to original components developed by the Can-SOLVE CKD Network.

Participants may complete one or more components of the pathway depending on their learning needs and ability. Self-reflection will be a critical part of each component.

Looking, listening, learning, leading

Wabishki Bizhiko Skaanj Learning Pathway

The objectives of Wabishki Bizhiko Skaanj are closely aligned with those of the Can-SOLVE CKD Network. Participants are encouraged to look, listen, learn, and lead their way along the pathway:

  • Looking: Look within to observe and examine racial identities, privileges, and biases
  • Listening: Listen to Indigenous voices and stories by participating in interactive learning exercises, facilitated online modules and webinars
  • Learning: Enhance knowledge of the history of colonization in Canada and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and their health
  • Leading: Reflect on the learning and commit to taking appropriate actions in building genuine partnerships with Indigenous peoples and communities in the spirit of reconciliation.

Learning Pathway Components

Supporting Each Other's Journey: Land Acknowledgment Learning Series

Supporting Each Other’s Journey: Land Acknowledgment Learning Series

“Supporting Each Other’s Journey” is a four-part Land Acknowledgment webinar series intended to:

  • acknowledge the power of Indigenous resilience, and understand the intended purpose, history and context around offering Land Acknowledgments;
  • offer the participants the opportunity to embark on the journey towards reconciliation, by using Land Acknowledgments with more purpose, conviction, and integrity; and
  • develop a personalized Land Acknowledgment which demonstrates the relationship and connection to the land.
KAIROS Blanket Exercise

KAIROS Blanket Exercise

An interactive simulation of colonization’s impact on Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

An eight-hour, self-directed online course in Indigenous cultural safety.

Indigenous Research Ethics and Protocols

Indigenous Research Ethics and Protocols

A three-part webinar series examining ethical principles of engagement with Indigenous peoples in health research hosted by Dr. Malcolm King.

Knowledge Keepers in Research

Knowledge Keepers in Research

“Knowledge Keepers in Research” is a virtual guidebook that aims to create a culturally safe space for researchers, patient partners and Knowledge Keepers to come together. It will encourage researchers to honor various forms of knowledge alongside Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and help them translate those teachings into practice.

Training and Certification

Training and Certification

Opportunities to pursue additional training and certification, such as The First Nations principles of ownership, control, access, and possession – more commonly known as OCAP and Tri-Council Policy Statement Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans known as TCPS-2.

Book Club

Cultural Competency Knowledge Bundle

The Cultural Competency Knowledge Bundle, which is a self-directed resource page with a collection of multi-media to support the user on their cultural competency journey. The Cultural Competency Knowledge Bundle is a living document and will be updated with new resources to support health researchers and individuals.

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