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  

APPLY NOW!

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Indigenous End of Life Support Worker Certificate Program

Deadline for Application: April 15, 2026

The Indigenous End-of-Life Health Support Worker Certificate starts July 2026.

Indigenous End of Life Support Worker Certificate Program Brochure

This program is unique and one-of-a-kind in Canada. There are informal trainings and self-learning taking place. However, a university credit-based course with formal instruction has not been offered. This program differs from other available End of Life Doula courses by bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront. It is also the only course that was created in collaboration with Indigenous communities at every point in the process. These courses utilize a Two-Spirit lens, for a fully integrated and inclusive information sharing process.

Through this program, you will learn what it takes to do this heart-work and gain the skills needed to help your clients and their families move into their next stage of existence.

Students who have already taken INHS 100 and 200 will only need to take INHS 170, 175 and 179 (Practicum). Students interested in working towards a wāsākāmā Support Worker diploma must take INHS 131, INHS 132, a language course, and nine (9) additional credit courses upon approval (see program details).

For more Information, please contact:

Jackie Nixon (she/her)

Student Counselor, Northern Campus

E: jnixon@firstnationsuniversity.ca

P: 306.765.3333 ext. 7135 T: 1.800.267.6303

www.fnuniv/indigenoushealth.ca

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Indigenous Birth Support Worker Certificate (IBWC)

Indigenous Birth Support Worker Certificate Brochure

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

wāsākamā(“Make a Circle”) Brochure

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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Sexual and Reproductive Health Support Worker Certificate (IRSW)

Sexual and Reproductive Health Support Worker Certificate (IRSW) Brochure

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Support Worker Certificate starts January 6, 2026.

This program is unique and one of a kind in Canada. The program differs from other available Sexual & Reproductive Health courses by bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront. It is the only program created in collaboration with Indigenous communities at every point in the process. These courses utilize a Two-Spirit lens for a fully integrated and inclusive information-sharing process.

The practicum portion of this program runs over six weeks from May to June 2026.

Students who have already taken INHS 100 and 200 will only need to take INHS 130 and 135. Students interested in working towards a wāsākāmā Support Worker diploma must take two additional University credit courses (see program details).

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Support Worker Certification (IRSW) program augments the current Indigenous Birth Support Worker (IBWC) Certificate and the Indigenous End-of-Life Support Worker Certificate (ELSW) programs. The ELSW program begins in July 2026 and ends with a two-month practicum from November to December 2026.

Deadline to Apply for Indigenous Sexual and Reproductive Health Support Worker Certificate:

WINTER 2026: December 15

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Research Grants

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

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