Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) — Prince Edward Island is among the first two provinces in Canada to launch an Indigenous-specific palliative care education course developed with local First Nations communities.
The new suite of educational modules was developed by Pallium Canada, one of Canada’s leading providers of palliative care education, in partnership with Abegweit First Nation, Lennox Island First Nation, the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, and the Provincial Home Care team.
The three-module course, released on September 8th, provides culturally appropriate and trauma-informed education for health care providers working with Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. The modules explore:
- The historical relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of colonialism, treaties, and related trauma.
- Indigenous perspectives on end-of-life care, including approaches to death, dying, and bereavement.
- Perspectives, teachings, and practices, shared by Elders and community members.
PEI was the second province, after Ontario, to launch a provincial edition of the course. The editions are tailored to specific provinces, each shaped by local voices, histories, and experiences, to reflect the diversity of Indigenous communities across the country. Members of both First Nations communities on the Island were engaged throughout the course’s development to ensure the content is respectful, accurate, and reflective of local Indigenous cultures, perspectives, and understanding.
“As Mi’kmaw people, we have proudly carried our practices and teachings with us for generations. Seeing our voices reflected in health care resources like this means we are helping shape the future of our health care system,” says Kateri Coade, Executive Director for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI. “It’s an important step toward ensuring Indigenous people receive culturally appropriate care and toward advancing reconciliation.”
This palliative care course supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which call on the health care system to recognize the value of Indigenous healing practices and teachings and to deliver skills-based training in intercultural competency and Indigenous-specific anti-racism.
“Working alongside our First Nations communities on this initiative has allowed us to deepen our understanding and strengthen how we provide care that is culturally respectful and responsive to the needs of all Islanders,” says Susan Doucette, Palliative Care Coordinator for the Provincial Home Care Program.
The self-directed course is available online, allowing learners to move through the modules at their own pace. It is designed for health care providers and others who want to deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories, perspectives, and relational approaches to care.
The course is now accessible at pallium.ca.