Indigenous Public Health Training

Explore Canada’s only Indigenous Public Health professional development opportunities at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine.

The Indigenous Public Health Training Institutes will equip Indigenous community members and scholars with necessary skills to address public health issues in Indigenous communities. One-week intensive courses can be put towards the Graduate Certificate or Certificate (non-credit) or taken individually.

Applications for Winter 2020 Institute will open September 25th, 2019 and Close November 12th, 2019. To be notified when Summer Institute 2020 applications open please email indigenous.health@ubc.ca and request to be added to a notification list.

Now Accepting Applications for Winter 2020 Institute

What is Indigenous Public Health Training?

Students will receive foundational training in the core disciplines of public health, examined through an approach that:

  • Engages the unique challenges and opportunities of working in Indigenous contexts
  • Recognizes the historic and ongoing health disparities and inequities faced by Indigenous populations
  • Builds applied and theoretical knowledge affirming Indigenous rights to self-determination in relation to health services, research and program development
  • Addresses multiple, intersecting Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation commission

Indigenous Public Health Institute Courses:

  • Introduction to Indigenous Health Research Ethics
  • Social Determinants of Indigenous Health
  • Indigenous Health Policy in Canada
  • Collecting, Analyzing and Using Public Health Data in Indigenous Communities
  • An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Health of Indigenous Peoples
  • Environmental Health in Indigenous Communities
  • Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Indigenous Health Research
  • Mental Health Care and Delivery in Indigenous Communities

Program Delivery Format

  • The program will be delivered through intensive one-week, in-person institutes occurring in August and February.
  • Two courses will run concurrently, with one in the morning (8:00AM to 12:00PM) and one in the afternoon (1:30PM to 5:30PM).
  • Students must attend two institutes, completing four courses prior to matriculating into the Graduate Certificate or Certificate.
  • Completion of the Graduate Certificate or Certificate will require a minimum of two years, with students attending eight courses over four institutes.

 

Admission Requirements

Applying to Credit or Non-Credit

There are different applications for the graduate credit and non-credit version of the Institutes. The graduate credit version is intended for students who wish to complete the entire program over 2-4 years. The non-credit version is intended for those who wish to take the course for professional development purposes. Both credit and non-credit courses can be put towards earning a credential, either the Graduate Certificate (credit) in Indigenous Public Health or Certificate in Indigenous Public Health (non-credit). All course content and experience is completely identical, with the only difference being a final academic paper or assignment being required for the credit courses.

Non-Credit Admissions Criteria (no prior degree necessary)

  • Completed a minimum of 60 credits of undergraduate course work, or
  • Have at least two years work experience in public health setting or related health-field.
  • Completion of High School or equivalency.

Graduate Credit Admissions Criteria
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Public Health will be granted to students through standard and equivalency pathways.

Standard (Undergraduate Degree)
Candidates will normally have a Bachelor’s degree in a field of study relevant to Indigenous health with one of the following:
• A minimum overall average in the B+ range in third and fourth year level courses.
• Academic standing with at least 12 credits on third or fourth year level courses in the A range in their field of study.Equivalency
Equivalency admissions into the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Public Health will be considered for candidates who have demonstrated strong potential in the field of Indigenous health, but may lack the academic qualifications required for admission through the standard pathway. Candidates seeking admission through the equivalency pathway will need to demonstrate the drive to excel and the academic skills required to succeed.

Equivalency Requirements (No undergraduate degree)

  • Minimum 4 years of experience working in community health setting
  • Recommendation letter from community leadership or health organization
  • Secondary School graduation or equivalency.

The graduate credit version is intended for students who wish to complete the entire program over 2-4 years. The non-credit version is intended for those who wish to take the course for professional development purposes. Both credit and non-credit courses can be put towards earning a credential, either the Graduate Certificate (credit) in Indigenous Public Health or Certificate in Indigenous Public Health (non-credit).

Please note that we require students to complete four courses prior to matriculating into the Certificate or Graduate Certificate.

Upcoming Institutes

Winter Institute 2020 (February 17-21, *February 17 is Family Day in BC, attendance to classes is expected*)

  • Mental Health in Indigenous Communities
  • Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Indigenous Health

Summer Institute 2020 (August 17-21, tentative dates)

  • Introduction to Indigenous Health Research Ethics
  • Social Determinants of Indigenous Health

Winter Institute 2021 (February 18-22, tentative dates)

  • Indigenous Health Policy in Canada
  • Collecting, Analyzing and Using Public Health Data in Indigenous Communities

How to Apply & Tuition Costs

Applications to attend Indigenous Public Health Institutes will be adjudicated by the Center for Excellence in Indigenous Health. Applications for Winter Institute 2019 will open on September 25th (and close on November 12), application links will be provided on that date. 

Application Process:

1. Download and read the Application Guide

2. Prepare and save application materials
3. Fill out the online application via the link below:

Please read the application guide prior to clicking the online application below.

Once you start an online application, you may continue at a later time only on the same computer and browser.

For inquiries regarding applications please email: ceih.admissions@ubc.ca.
For general program inquiries: indigenous.health@ubc.ca.

Non-Credit Tuition: $500.00 per course or $1000.00 per Institute + $75.00 registration fee

Credit-Tuition: $750.00 per course, $1500.00 per Institute + applicable UBC Student Fees

Scholarship and bursary support available for tuition, accommodation and travel. 

Graduate Certificate or Certificate

After completing four courses, students will have the opportunity to matriculate into the Graduate Certificate or Certificate in Indigenous Public Health (non-credit). The Graduate Certificate is a 12 credit graduate program, awarded by UBC. The Certificate is a non-credit program, awarded by the Faculty of Medicine and the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health. The courses for each program are run jointly but have differences in admission requirements and workload.

Graduate Certificate Program Requirements

  • Introduction to Indigenous Health Research Ethics (SPPH576, 1.5 credits)
  • Social Determinants of Indigenous Health (SPPH578, 1.5 credits)
  • Indigenous Health Policy in Canada (SPPH586, 1.5 credits)
  • Collecting, Analyzing and Using Public Health Data in Indigenous Communities (SPPH579, 1.5 credits)
  • An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Health of Indigenous Peoples (SPPH589, 1.5 credits)
  • Environmental Health in Indigenous Communities (SPPH577, 1.5 credits)
  • Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Indigenous Health Research (SPPH588, 1.5 credits)
  • Mental Health Care and Delivery in Indigenous Communities (SPPH587, 1.5 credits)

Certificate Program Requirements

  • Introduction to Indigenous Health Research Ethics (CEIH100)
  • Social Determinants of Indigenous Health (CEIH101)
  • Indigenous Health Policy in Canada (CEIH102)
  • Collecting, Analyzing and Using Public Health Data in Indigenous Communities (CEIH103)
  • An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Health of Indigenous Peoples (CEIH104)
  • Environmental Health in Indigenous Communities (CEIH105)
  • Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Indigenous Health Research (CEIH106)
  • Mental Health Care and Delivery in Indigenous Communities (CEIH107)

Program Format

In order to ensure accessibility to individuals working full time and living in communities outside of Vancouver, the program will be delivered through intensive one-week, in-person institutes. Two courses will run concurrently, with one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Completion of the Certificate will require a minimum of two years, with students attending four institutes totalling eight courses.

Registration/FAQ

Why this program?

The Center for Excellence in Indigenous Health, as a core part of its mandate to raise the health status and self-determination of Indigenous communities, is committed to providing national leadership in offering training opportunities to aspiring and accomplished Indigenous health leaders. This program represents the first specialized Indigenous public health program in Canada and aims to serve the training and capacity needs of communities. The program features leadership from UBC Faculty members, Indigenous scholars and health leaders on public health and research fundamentals that incorporate Indigenous Knowledge.

Can I take individual courses?

Absolutely. Many professionals working in Indigenous communities, or in the field of Indigenous public health, desire specialized training in specific areas. Individual courses will not be restricted to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate or Certificate.

Our Centre prioritizes having open lines of communication to potential students and providing resources to support individuals through the application process.

If you’re unsure of eligibility, require support with your application or have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact Sr. Drew Laurent at 1-604-822 5586 or drew.stlaurent@ubc.ca or contact: indigenous.health@ubc.ca

Registration and Payment