Indigenous Health Studies

Indigenous Health Studies

The First Nations University of Canada delivers the Bachelor of Health Studies in partnership with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies and the Faculty of Arts at the University of Regina.

The FNUniv Indigenous Health Studies provides:

• Courses and programs in Indigenous health
• Contemporary issues in Indigenous health
• Traditional healing
• Indigenous health research methods

The degree draws on both the social sciences and the natural sciences to promote critical thinking, knowledge development, evidence-based practice, and community-based applications for the increased health of all Canadians.
A vital feature of this degree is an emphasis on understanding basic Indigenous health needs as a foundation, fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity among our students.

The unit acknowledges the importance of including Indigenous peoples’ cultural teachings in the program. The diversity in knowledge within the program is an important foundation of local and place-based ethical principles that are associated with health and wellness. 

Careers Include: 

• Government or Community Health Services 
• Health Promotion 
• Policy Development 

Program Available At: 

• Regina Campus 
• Northern Campus  

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Indigenous Birth Support Worker Certificate (IBWC)

The Indigenous Birth Support Worker Certificate program includes 18 credits delivered online, face-to-face, or through remote synchronized methods on all three campuses. The IBWC certificate offers information on Indigenous-based birthing practices and nationally certified doula training to support and advocate for birthers and families before, during, and after birthing.

All courses are developed collaboratively with Indigenous kêhtê-ayak and Knowledge Keepers from various First Nations communities.

This program also supports other degree programs such as nursing, community health representative programs, and midwifery.

Deadline to Apply for Indigenous Birth Support Worker Certificate:

WINTER 2026: December 15

SPRING/SUMMER 2026: April 15

FALL 2026: August 15

Indigenous Health collaborated with the Indigenous Communication Arts (INCA) program to produce the Indigenous Birth Support Worker Certificate video

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wāsākamā: Make a Circle Project
The Indigenous Health Program at the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) partnered with the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). It initiated three new programs under project called wāsākamā (“Make a Circle”).

The programs support bringing birthing back to the community and support throughout life. They include:

• Sexual & Reproductive Health
• Indigenous Birth Support;
• End-of-Life Care; and,

These credentials will also complement the Indigenous Birthing Support Worker Certificate program (IBWC) offered through FNUniv.

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Research Grants

December 7, 2021 – takohpinawasowin: Indigenous Elders’ Stories of Traditional Birthing and Child-Rearing Practices