Indigenous Public Health Training | Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health

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 the 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.

Summer Institute 2020 has been Postponed.

Our thoughts go out to our students and potential future students during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Indigenous Public Health Certificate team at the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health has elected to postpone the IPH Summer Institute this year, first to ensure safety, and because we recognize the incredible stress that our communities and our partner institutions are under.

The next scheduled courses are:

Introduction to Indigenous Health Research Ethics
Social Determinants of Indigenous Health

Our plan is to roll these two courses forward to the IPH Winter Institute in February 2021. We will adjust the timing of the other certificate courses accordingly.

The IPH Certificate team looks forward to working together to roll out the next IPH Institute in the best way possible in February 2021. We will keep you informed about any alternate learning opportunities that become available at the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health before we meet again.

Until then, stay well and take care of each other.

The CEIH IPH Certificate Team

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 a 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 a 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 2021 (February 15-19, (*February 15 is Family Day in BC, attendance to class is expected)

Introduction to Indigenous Health Research Ethics
Social Determinants of Indigenous Health

Summer Institute 2021 (August 16-20, tentative dates)

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

Winter Institute 2022 (February 14-18, (*February 14 is Family Day in BC, attendance to class is expected), tentative dates)

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Indigenous Health
Environmental Health 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 2021 will open in October 2020.

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 and general program inquiries please email: 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 totaling 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 Rhonda Carriere (Program Manager) at 1-604-822 4000 or rhonda.carriere@ubc.ca or contact: indigenous.health@ubc.ca

Registration and Payment