In partnership with Drs. Van Patter and Henderson (OVC, U of Guelph), Dr. Mashford-Pringle is developing online Indigenous Cultural Safety Training micro credentials for veterinary students at OVC. The OVC Community Healthcare Partnership Program (CHPP) directed by Dr. Henderson provides wellness and spay/neuter services for companion animals annually to Walpole Island, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and Aroland First Nations. Our aims are: 1) to increase the knowledge that veterinary students, regardless if they choose a rotation with the CHPP program, regarding Indigenous Peoples, histories and issues; 2) evaluate the impact that ICST micro credentials have on the knowledge, skills and interactions for OVC students; and 3) build stronger relationships with reciprocity with each of the First Nations communities that OVC currently works with.

 

In collaboration with each of the First Nations communities, we are determining what topics should be filmed and edited for the micro credentials, and if they should be separate or one larger module about Indigenous Peoples. We will be surveying (pre- and post-) OVC students before and after the training including OVC students who have not completed a rotation with CHPP or with First Nations people. We are evaluating to understand if OVC students’ ability to practice (1) culturally safe communication, (2) effective allyship and partnering, and (3) true and authentic community engagement with First Nations Peoples and communities changes for OVC students.

 

The modules will be based on the Toronto ICS Micro Credential and Peterborough Public Health ICS Micro Credential topics and frameworks. This will provide OVC students with an abbreviated view of Indigenous Peoples history in Ontario with specific sub-modules on each of the 5 First Nations, basic understanding and knowledge of traditional medicines and uses, First Nations communities’ issues, language(s) and culture(s), and how to engage First Nations communities as an ally and collaborator as the students enter their veterinary practices.

 

We anticipate that findings from the surveys will assist with revisions to the modules. In the future, we would like to host talking circles in the 5 First Nations to determine if providing ICS training to OVC students has an impact when the students are on rotation in their communities.

 

We will provide updates on this project as it moves forward in 2025.