Indigenous Focus

The Department of Occupational Therapy is offering students the opportunity to focus components of their occupational therapy program on Indigenous peoples in Canada. As occupational therapists we work to foster, support and celebrate diversity & culture of all people. In response to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, we aim to build awareness and capacity in future healthcare providers in order to intentionally honour and explore the vast and unique perspectives, assets and preferences of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Who is this for?
This focus is for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students who want to:

• explore and integrate Indigenous health knowledge with occupational therapy,
• act as allies with Indigenous peoples in current healthcare, education, justice and other systems

Students in the Indigenous Focus will:

• participate in the current professional program
• focus assignments on Indigenous peoples
• enrol in module(s) with specific Indigenous content
• participate in fieldwork opportunities focused on Indigenous people and communities
• create opportunities to partner with knowledge keepers and people with lived experience

Once students are accepted to the program they can apply to participate in the Indigenous focus.

• The number of students we can accommodate depend on the fieldwork opportunities available.

The Department of Occupational Therapy, at the University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 and 7 territories, and respects the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.