Indigenous Program

Dr. Darlene Kitty, Director, Indigenous Program

“I am proud of the Faculty’s efforts in our support of students and our engagement with Indigenous Elders and community partners across Canada. We are making a difference together in bringing our knowledge and experience in Indigenous health to both Indigenous and mainstream health care settings.”

In 2005, the Faculty of Medicine mapped a path forward by creating the Indigenous Program, an initiative committed to shedding light on health issues affecting Indigenous communities, while encouraging greater diversity within our student population.

This program is based on 3 pillars:

Cultural awareness and traditional training
- Our curriculum includes Indigenous-specific content and traditional healing methods.
Targeted recruitment
- Every year, we hold recruitment activities in the heart of Indigenous communities. In addition, we host 2 “mini-medical school” sessions for Indigenous candidates aspiring to our program.
Indigenous physician training
- Our goal is to train Indigenous physicians who are competent, conscious of Indigenous health issues and dedicated to providing quality care.

We reserve 7 seats in the Anglophone and Francophone stream of our undergraduate program for Indigenous candidates.

Through the collaboration of many partners, including our valued Elders and health and education experts, our curriculum evolves while integrating and valuing the richness of Indigenous cultures.

Join our Indigenous Program to help shape a more informed and equitable future in medicine.

Discovering medicine through Indigenous cultures

In your first year, you will discover that medicine is more than just treatments, but extends to Indigenous cultures, traditions and practices that promote healing.

Communication and therapeutic interactions with Indigenous patients are at the forefront of our curriculum. Through the involvement of local and regional communities, our Indigenous Program is training the next generation of Indigenous physicians. The health of Indigenous peoples is also an integral part of our program.

Indigenous celebration

The UGME program dedicates a full day to Indigenous health and social issues. The day starts with a lecture about Indigenous health, including a historical and social context. Then an Elder or an Indigenous youth presents their perspective on health and well-being as it impacts on their personal life, family and community. One of the key moments of the year follows: a pow-wow that showcases traditional music, dance and a feast.

Beyond the celebration, this day is an opportunity to experience how protocol, ceremony, feasting and artistic expression are an integral part of Indigenous cultures.

Welcome feast

In September, a welcome party if organized for the new Indigenous students starting out in UGME. An Elder kicks things off with words of wisdom and encouragement. It is a valuable time to strengthen connections and build support networks within the student community.

Indigenous Health Interest Group

The Indigenous Health Interest Group (IHIG), created by the students of the Faculty of Medicine’s Indigenous Program, is an exciting initiative aimed at exploring Indigenous health, culture and history. Its objective is to share critical information regarding the health issues faced by Indigenous communities, traditional methods of healing and a holistic approach to health care.

Members of the IHIG aspire to raise awareness around the importance of cultural competency in the field of medicine. The group seeks to broaden the understanding of health care in Indigenous communities.

Membership is open to all students of the Faculty of Medicine.

To learn more, visit the Aesculapian Society websitenorth_eastexternal linknorth_eastexternal link.

Electives in Indigenous communities

The Indigenous Program team works closely with local First Nations, rural and urban Indigenous communities. Our goal is to provide inspiring electives to better understand Indigenous health issues.

Immerse yourself in a rewarding experience that will allow you to develop valuable skills, deepen your knowledge and make a positive contribution to the health of Indigenous communities.

For up-to-date information regarding electives in Indigenous communities, please visit the uOttawa Students Resources page

Contact information