Learning Our Way

This project built on long term relationships between NIC's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and First Nation communities on northern Vancouver Island. The aim was to leverage innovative systems change with the goal of addressing systemic racism and promoting health equity for Indigenous people and communities on northern Vancouver Island.

Project Dates: June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2025

Funding Amount: $359,044

Number of Student Researchers: 4

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Project Summary

This project built on long term relationships between NIC's BSN program and First Nation communities on Northern Vancouver Island to leverage innovative systems change with the goal of addressing systemic racism and promoting health equity for Indigenous people and communities on northern Vancouver Island.

This project designed, implemented and evaluated transformative reconciliation initiatives in partnership with Indigenous communities, health authorities and post-secondary education institutions like NIC.

This project contributed to transformative reconciliation in health education and health services through offering a series of locally specific, Indigenous-led, relationally oriented, wellness focused learning circles. Participants in the learning circles engaged with community members and Indigenous knowledge holders. They learnt from the land, from sharing stories and from being in ceremony together.

Students, faculty and health professionals who participated in the learning circles created communities of practice with the capacity for driving systems change in health service and educational settings. The intention was to investigate the impacts of this program on health services and education through participatory action research led by Indigenous knowledge holders using Indigenous research methodologies.

Project Updates and Outcomes

• For updated information on the project, visit the Learning Our Way website.
• July 2023 update

Research Team

Partners

News Stories and Coverage

• Learning Our Way: Field School in Houpsitas
• Learning Our Way: March 2024 Newsletter
• Raising Student Nurses

 

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) align with the college’s commitment to community well-being and sustainability. By integrating SDGs into applied research at NIC, we drive innovation that supports regional development while addressing critical social, environmental and economic priorities.