Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Indigenous Social Determinants of Health in Canada

Course Description

This course introduces students to the social determinants of health faced by Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples are First Nations, Metis and Inuit individuals, families, communities, and nations. The course will combine land-based activities to illustrate the influence of the social determinants, seminar discussions, and lectures (synchronous and asynchronous). Students will be provided with scenarios and real-world examples of issues that impact the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

Course Objectives

Students will gain knowledge of social determinants of health that can improve health and well-being for Indigenous people in Canada. After this course, student will have knowledge of key elements in population health approaches; be able to describe social determinants that influence Indigenous health and well being; and have a basic understanding of systemic and institutional racism experienced by Indigenous peoples.

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the social determinants of health used by Health Canada as well the Indigenous-specific determinants through seminar discussions, individual and group activities, and evaluations like the reflective journal. Students will develop a basic understanding of the importance of land as relation and ceremony and the impact these have on the social determinants and Indigenous peoples’ health and wellbeing.

Methods of Assessment

Reflective Journal	40%
Essay	40%
Student-led discussion	20%