Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) partnership seeks to improve integration of Indigenous knowledge within medical education

On Dec. 18, 2023, TMU signed a partnership agreement with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) to work together to eliminate inequities and disparities that negatively impact Indigenous people within the medical system. TMU is thrilled to be the IPHCC’s first educational partner. 

This agreement seeks to right the negative impact of colonial processes on Indigenous Peoples' health and wellbeing and create space for Indigenous voices at all governance and decision-making levels in Ontario without prejudice or oppression. The IPHCC and TMU have come together in the spirit of resurgence of Indigenous health in Indigenous hands, reconciliation as a step toward healing, and transformation to Indigenous health pathways that patients can trust.

The IPHCC and TMU will work together to foster comprehensive and culturally safe education and innovation in Indigenous Community Health. The IPHCC will also share wisdom and insight to help guide the school’s Indigenous Communities in Health course, which MD program students will take over their four years of study. Dr. Jamaica Cass, Indigenous health lead and special advisor to the dean on Indigenous resurgence, is leading the school’s Indigenous Health initiatives and curriculum development. 

Beyond the School of Medicine, this partnership will also allow us to further this knowledge exchange to other schools, departments, and faculties across TMU.

This partnership is key to the school’s work, and we look forward to collaborating with the IPHCC and other Indigenous partners to further develop our values, strategic priorities and goals for Indigenous Health.