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This has been one of the most helpful educational experiences in my career!
— B.C.

I think this is something that I will carry forward with me no matter what work or possible future position I may hold down the line.
— E.J.

I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
— K.B.

Having the ability to at the very least recognize that my way of doing things or "the way things are done" is not the only way.
— K.B.

It shook my foundation.
— K.B.

It challenged my view of myself.
— K.B.

It was a course that had an impact on my personal life.
— K.B.

I am a better person for having been involved in it.
— K.B.

I will look more closely at my own world views and values to determine how these notions shape my understanding and interactions with indigenous clients and clients of different backgrounds.
— A.K.

I have drawn on this course material already in my practice and it has helped me feel more comfortable when Aboriginal clients talk about spiritual/cultural beliefs.
— L.S.

The information reinforced and strengthened my practice with Aboriginal people.
— L.S.

It already has shifted the way I engage with clients in terms of learning new ways to ask questions and I have brought up this training and concepts learned from it in our practice council and have encourage others to participate in it.
— R.O.

Awesome program. I realize through this training that I have so much more to learn.
— K.Y.

I see it as ongoing learning that contributes to my learning and will continue to influence my relationships with aboriginal people and organizations in my work and in my life.
— J.M.

I enjoyed the facilitator's responses and how she was very open and understanding to our responses.
— R.M.

I felt very comfortable throughout and not judged for my feelings and thoughts.
— R.M.

The list of "do's" and "don'ts" was the best compiled list I've ever seen for working with First Nation's people. I will be using this list in my work from now on.
— G.M.

The amount of information was incredible. The facilitators are so knowledgeable and helpful. The course has made me so much more aware of issues faced by Aboriginal people now and the historical context of the experiences they encounter.
— V.S.

The context from which Aboriginal people come has been such an eye-opener.
— V.S.

The quality of the content was fabulous.
— C.F.

The course was non-judgemental & didn't tell me what I was doing was wrong.
— C.F.

The course showed me a better way and provided insight into some of my current thinking and actions.
— C.F.

It will help me provide more in-depth analysis in research and writing about health inequities and how the social determinants of health produce differential outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations. All too often, I think I just make over-generalized statements about how Aboriginal health and well-being is disproportionate to non-Aboriginal health and well-being, without really explaining why or how that came to be the case. Also, I often lump "disadvantaged" populations (women, Aboriginals, and visible minorities) in one group, but because of this training, I will give more thought and analysis to each group individually - because they are inherently different and deserve appropriate care/attention.
— J.D.

I did some study during my degree but I learned more in these short modules that I ever had before.
— J.W.

It is one thing to learn about stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and racism, it is another to see what it would be like to be the recipient of this in a clinical setting where respectful medical assistance should be the norm.
— L.M.

We have made 'Hand Washing' modules compulsory, but what could be more meaningful than ensuring that all health professionals are expected to have at least a basic understanding of cultural competency and how to make their practice meaningful. I was particularly impressed by this course's ability to bring history alive and demonstrate how colonization continues to affect indigenous health today. Thank you so much for the opportunity to take this course!!
— S.H.

I want everyone I work with to do this course - it is outstanding! I already felt like I had a lot of knowledge around Aboriginal issues, but this course weaves information together so effectively and I learned many new things.
— S.H.

Welcome!

This website includes information about the Indigenous Cultural Competency (ICC) Online Training Program delivered by the Provincial Health Services Authority of British Columbia. » Learn More About Us

On this site you will learn about the ICC training program. You will be able to register for and log into the core training and once you have completed the core training, you will have access to supplementary training, resources, and on-going support.

Core Training

Core ICC Training is designed to increase Aboriginal-specific knowledge, enhance individual self awareness and strengthen skills for any professional working directly or indirectly with Indigenous people. This training would be of particular interest to those working in organizations such as justice, policing, child and family services, education, business and government. » Learn More

Core ICC Health Training was designed for Health Authority, Ministry of Health, and other professionals working in the health care field. It includes the foundation provided in Core ICC with an additional two modules that focus on health care issues for those working with Indigenous people in British Columbia.

» Learn More

Core ICC Mental Health Training was designed for Health Authority, Ministry of Health, and other professionals working in the mental health field. It includes the foundation provided in Core ICC with an additional two modules that focus on mental health issues for those working with Indigenous people in British Columbia. » Learn More

After completion of Core ICC or Core ICC Health, alumni will have access to:

For participants who have completed the ICC Core Training, we have additional training available and we are working to expand this.
Learn About More Training

You will find a number of resources here that you may find useful in your work with Aboriginal peoples. These Resources are updated regularly.
Explore Our Resources

We have facilitators available for ICC alumni to connect with and ask questions post-training.
Connect With Facilitator

Testimonial

"The training is fantastic!!! It seemed like a lot of work went into its development. And I hope that PHSA is able to get all health care workers in BC trained! It's great to see that cultural competency training is moving away from teaching about different Aboriginal cultures and practices, to challenging the stereotypes, power dynamics, and culture and attitudes we bring that continue to negatively shape the health status of marginalized populations. Thanks for the opportunity to take part in this training!!!"

— E.S.

I have an MA in Cultural Studies and I found this course to be the most concise distillation of complex themes and theories I have ever seen. The course brought history alive with an emotional punch, that simple facts and figures don't achieve. The use of video, personal narratives, theory, history etc puts the whole concept of cultural competency in great context. The course is the perfect mix of information and tips to promote a change in practice.
- S.H.

I know my attitude has changed. I used to feel personally guilty for what my forefathers did and didn't do. I cried sometimes. Then, so that I didn't always feel badly, I used to think that we are all Canadians now and after a few hundred years we are all different from the colonials who settled here. The descendants from the Europeans have evolved why can't the First Nations just get over it and stop harping on how poorly they are done by. I now see the shallowness and the error of my ways. I see that when nations of people are beaten down, they simply cannot pull up their bootstraps and get on with it. It is going to take a huge amount of time, education and commitment to change. I am much better able to take on that challenge after taking this course. I know I will still cry sometimes but that is ok. Thank you. - N.H.

Accreditation

This program meets the accreditation criteria of The College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been accredited for up to 8 Mainpro-C credits and 8 Mainpro-M1 Credits.