I chose the Aboriginal Health Program at the University of Lethbridge because of the longstanding academic reputation of the institution, paired with the close relationships with neighbouring Indigenous communities and members. The program allowed me to utilize two-eyed seeing (using the lens of both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing) in the classroom as a student and as a critical thinker for the innovative change that is required in our health systems. What I did not anticipate was the healing, the path to self-awareness and the regaining of the warrior spirit that would go hand in hand with the journey. I found a place I belonged; I filled my cup with the power of knowledge from each professor, while honouring the invaluable insights of each Indigenous Elder in the classroom. I cannot thank faculty, advisors, Elders and the dean enough for the support and opportunity they gave me as a student, a mother, a researcher and a student-curriculum committee representative as they pushed me to seek every opportunity that was presented to me. This program is the medicine I think everyone should experience.

Amelle Weasel Fat

This program was appealing to me because I have worked with my people for the past 13 years and I needed more history behind my people’s health issues. I came across this program online, and after my first year it caused an awakening of realization when it came to the health of many of my clients I have helped during my time as a nurse on my own reserve. The topics covered in my first year of studies were eye opening and gave more understanding on how things can be solved when it comes to Aboriginal Health issues on and off reserve. By taking the initiative to learn about my own people across Canada, I have invited the two-eyed seeing approach into my work practices as a current nurse. The classes offered are very informative with great instructors who take the time to help you process/understand the history of Aboriginal People all over Canada, and they care about what they are teaching to their students. The topics covered are not always pleasant to hear about, but the instructors are compassionate about seeing change in contemporary issues Aboriginal People face and deliver up to date information with a gentle heart that change can happen. As a current student I would 100% recommend this program to further your education, as it is a definite asset to my education within the health care field or any organization providing services to Aboriginal People.

Vanessa Ahenakew

Being a First Nations’ member, I’ve had lived experience of the social inequities and past historical traumas that have had tremendous effect on the overall health of First Nations people in Canada. I love how the Aboriginal Health program utilizes the ‘two-eyed seeing’ approach, meaning that it teaches and guides students with both the western sciences and our First Nations ways of knowing.
The knowledge learned at the University of Lethbridge is vital in the challenges facing the Aboriginal health field. One of the unique benefits I most admire and appreciate is the use of our traditional knowledge keepers and our First Nations elders, to listen to them within a classroom setting helps me as an individual and as a future health advocate, and the ongoing support and guidance from the elders has helped me be mindful of myself and community. Future students of the program have a lot to look forward to!

John Little Bear