A program designed to ensure that Manitoba health-care workers provide culturally safe care to Indigenous patients has been developed by Ongomiizwin, the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing in UM’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, in partnership with Manitoba’s health system organizations.

The program, announced today by the University of Manitoba and Shared Health at an event that included a pipe ceremony and a feast, will be offered to health-care workers across the province, as well as to faculty members and learners in the Rady Faculty. It will support training for up to 3,000 people annually, with each health employer identifying teams from within their organization to participate each year.

Giga Mino Ganawenimaag Anishinaabeg, meaning We Will Take Good Care of the People in Anishinaabemowin, draws upon the knowledge and expertise of local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and health-care leaders. Each training module will engage health-care workers in a range of activities and reflections.

“The purpose of the training is to address racism, foster culturally safe environments for Indigenous patients, and improve Indigenous health,” said Dr. Marcia Anderson, the Cree-Anishinaabe physician who is vice-dean of Indigenous health, social justice and anti-racism of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.