What is the Indigenous Public Health Program?

Students will receive foundational training in the core disciplines of public health, examined through an approach that:

Engages the unique challenges and opportunities of working in Indigenous contexts
Recognizes the historic and ongoing health disparities and inequities faced by Indigenous populations
Builds applied and theoretical knowledge affirming Indigenous rights to self-determination in relation to health services, research and program development
Addresses multiple, intersecting Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation commission

Program Delivery Format

In order to ensure accessibility to individuals working full time and living in communities outside of Vancouver, the program is usually delivered through intensive one-week, in-person Indigenous Public Health Training Institutes. Two courses run concurrently, with one scheduled in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Completion of the Graduate Certificate or Certificate (Non-Credit) will require a minimum of two years, with students attending four consecutive IPH Training Institutes to complete all eight courses. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, changes are to be expected in course offerings and format.

The program will be delivered through intensive one-week, in-person* institutes occurring in August and February.
Two courses will run concurrently, with one in the morning (8:00AM to 12:00PM) and one in the afternoon (1:30PM to 5:30PM)*. *It is expected that students are available and present during the times of class, as missing just a day would equate to missing 20% of the course. Absences must be first discussed with course instructors in advance.
Students must attend two institutes, completing four courses prior to matriculating into the Graduate Certificate or Certificate.
Completion of the Graduate Certificate or Certificate will require a minimum of two years, with students completing eight courses over four institutes.

Interested in our programming? Check out our Learning Circle Video featuring program graduates.

Graduate Certificate or Certificate Option

After successful completion of four IPH courses, students will have the opportunity to matriculate into the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Public Health, or the or Certificate in Indigenous Public Health (Non-Credit). The Graduate Certificate is a 12 credit certificate awarded by the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health, UBC. An official UBC transcript can be requested by students registered in the credit stream. The Certificate (Non-Credit) is awarded by the Faculty of Medicine and the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health. Credit and non-credit students are admitted to the courses jointly with differences in admission requirements and course workload. Whether credit or non-credit, students are expected to be present for the entire course intensive(s) offered during the IPH Training Institutes. Planned absences must be approved in advance by course faculty or significant consequences could be experienced by students missing class time.

Graduate Certificate Program Requirements

Introduction to Indigenous Health Research Ethics (SPPH576, 1.5 credits)
Social Determinants of Indigenous Health (SPPH578, 1.5 credits)
Indigenous Health Policy in Canada (SPPH586, 1.5 credits)
Collecting, Analyzing and Using Public Health Data in Indigenous Communities (SPPH579, 1.5 credits)
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Health of Indigenous Peoples (SPPH589, 1.5 credits)
Environmental Health in Indigenous Communities (SPPH577, 1.5 credits)
Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Indigenous Health Research (SPPH588, 1.5 credits)
Mental Health Care and Delivery in Indigenous Communities (SPPH587, 1.5 credits)
Selected Topics in Indigenous Public Health (SPPH581*, 1.5 credits)

Certificate Program Requirements

Introduction to Indigenous Health Research Ethics (CEIH100)
Social Determinants of Indigenous Health (CEIH101)
Indigenous Health Policy in Canada (CEIH102)
Collecting, Analyzing and Using Public Health Data in Indigenous Communities (CEIH103)
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Health of Indigenous Peoples (CEIH104)
Environmental Health in Indigenous Communities (CEIH105)
Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Indigenous Health Research (CEIH106)
Mental Health Care and Delivery in Indigenous Communities (CEIH107)
Selected Topics in Indigenous Public Health (CEIH108)

The topics we cover can often be sensitive or emotionally triggering. Please make sure that you are looking after yourself. If at any point you feel that you need to talk to a friend, Elder, counselor, or family member: don’t hesitate to do so. Check out our Counseling Support Page.

If you have any questions or concerns in regards to the credit/non-credit option or if you are unsure if this program is for you, please contact: ceih.iph@ubc.ca

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