Session

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP)’s commitment to reconciliation, building relationships, respecting cultural traditions and knowledge, understanding reciprocity, and creating supportive learning environments is clear not only through intent, but through action. RDP’s Reconcili-Action Plan guides the development of long-term relationships and meaningful work. This session will show how as part of this work, RDP collaborated with Indigenous stakeholders and supported the development of an Indigenous Health Care Aide micro-credential. In alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and RDP’s commitment to building a culture of inclusion and respect, this program will equip health care providers with the knowledge necessary to provide culturally safe care to Indigenous Peoples. Red Deer Polytechnic’s Indigenous Health Care Aide program provides learners with an opportunity to explore the historical contexts that impact the health of Indigenous Canadians today, and to develop the skills required to provide care that is grounded in humility and advocacy. An innovative part of this program is the use of three virtual reality scenarios that are used to not only increase learning, but to assess knowledge and provide opportunities for practice. These scenarios were developed in consultation with Indigenous partners who generously shared their knowledge, stories, experiences, and time. Indigenous Peoples and communities are unique, and it is acknowledged that although there may similarities in experiences, that there are cultures within cultures, and these scenarios are not meant to speak for all.