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The Indigenous Health Office at Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine is dedicated to advancing Indigenous health through meaningful relationships, respectful collaboration, and community-informed action.

Our work is rooted in reciprocity, respect, and reconciliation. Together with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, learners, faculty, staff, and community partners, we are creating pathways into medicine, strengthening Indigenous health education, and helping ensure a future where culturally safe and equitable healthcare is the standard for all.

 

Our work is guided by five interconnected priorities:

Indigenous Learner Recruitment

Across Indigenous communities, there are young people with the knowledge, compassion, and potential to become tomorrow's healthcare leaders. We work with communities, schools, and educational partners to help make that journey more accessible through outreach, mentorship, relationship-building, and pathway programs.

Our goal is not simply to increase representation in medicine—it is to help create opportunities where Indigenous learners can see themselves reflected in healthcare and know that they belong there.

By supporting Indigenous students from their earliest aspirations through to medical school and beyond, we are helping build a healthcare system that better reflects, understands, and serves Indigenous peoples and communities.

Indigenous Learner Support

We are committed to supporting Indigenous learners throughout every stage of their medical education journey. By fostering a welcoming community, listening to learners' experiences, and creating opportunities to stay connected to culture, community, and one another, we help build an environment where students can thrive.

Success is about more than academic achievement. It is about feeling seen, respected, supported, and empowered to bring your whole self into medicine.

When Indigenous learners succeed, our communities, healthcare systems, and future generations are stronger.

Indigenous Health Curriculum Development

We work collaboratively across the Faculty of Medicine to strengthen Indigenous health education by weaving Indigenous perspectives, histories, and ways of knowing throughout the curriculum. We support teaching that helps future physicians develop the knowledge, humility, and skills needed to build respectful relationships with Indigenous patients, families, and communities.

By learning from Indigenous voices and experiences, tomorrow's healthcare providers will be better prepared to deliver culturally safe, compassionate, and equitable care.

Education has the power to transform healthcare—and, in turn, improve the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenizing the Faculty of Medicine

We are committed to fostering a genuine sense of belonging by creating learning, gathering, and shared spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and reflective of Indigenous presence, cultures, and ways of knowing. This commitment extends beyond the physical environment to the everyday experiences of learners, faculty, staff, and community members, ensuring Indigenous perspectives are recognized, respected, and woven into the life of the Faculty. Indigenization is not an initiative that exists alongside our work—it is a shared responsibility that enriches our institution.

Community-Engaged Relationships & Partnerships

Strong relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

We work alongside Indigenous communities as partners, recognizing that communities are the experts in their own priorities, strengths, and aspirations. By building meaningful, reciprocal relationships, we support initiatives that reflect Indigenous knowledge, community leadership, and shared goals. These partnerships ensure our work remains responsive, relevant, and grounded in the lived experiences and wisdom of Indigenous peoples.

Every relationship we build, every learner we support, and every initiative we undertake is grounded in a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples while honouring the diverse cultures, histories, and strengths of our communities.