Waterloo launches Indigenization Journey at pharmacy faculty

The University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Pharmacy recently unveiled a roadmap of initiatives aimed at helping current and future pharmacy students be better able to provide culturally informed and safe care for all Canadians. “Our Indigenization Journey,” launched by the Faculty in early October, focuses on four key pillars: A modified admissions process to welcome and support more indigenous learners (this includes working with Indigenous community leaders to educate elementary and secondary students about the benefits of a career in pharmacy) An Indigenization of the curriculum that includes co-op placements for students to provide care to Indigenous patients Attracting more Indigenous scholars and staff members to the Faculty of Pharmacy Training current faculty and staff “There is a recognition that healthcare providers need to do a better job and pharmacists, as the most accessible healthcare providers, are in a unique position to make an important difference,” says Elaine Lillie, who leads the Faculty’s indigenous initiative. “But they can only make that difference if we do our job as educators.” Read Self-reflection and learning: resources for healthcare professionals marking the first National Day for Truth & Reconciliation As Canada’s only pharmacy faculty with an extensive co-op program, Lillie says there are some unique opportunities for pharmacy students to work with indigenous patients in places like Manitoulin Island. “Our students get three co-op terms in addition to clinical rotations, so there will be lots of opportunities for those who are interested.” More than anything, Lillie says the goal is make the Faculty of Pharmacy at Waterloo a welcoming place for indigenous learning. “For a variety of reasons, some people don’t feel comfortable identifying as Indigenous and we are doing things to make it obvious that this is a safe place for them,” she says. Waterloo is one of several pharmacy faculties, including the University of British Columbia and University of Alberta, doing work in this area. Illustration by Luke Swinson, a visual artist with Anishinaabe roots from Kitchener, Ont. Learn more about Luke's vision for this piece by reading his artist's statement.

Waterloo launches Indigenization Journey at pharmacy faculty

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