The Indigenous Health Office at Memorial University Faculty of Medicine is dedicated to strengthening Indigenous health through meaningful relationships, respectful collaboration, and community-informed action.

Our work is guided by Indigenous voices, grounded in reconciliation, and shaped by a shared commitment to creating a Faculty of Medicine where Indigenous learners, communities, and ways of knowing are welcomed, respected, and celebrated.

Together with Indigenous communities, learners, Elders, faculty, and partners, we strive to create pathways into medicine, enrich medical education, and contribute to culturally safe healthcare for future generations.

Our work is guided by five interconnected priorities:

Community-Engaged Relationships & Partnerships

Strong relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

We work alongside Indigenous communities in ways that are respectful, reciprocal, and responsive to community priorities. Through meaningful partnerships, we support initiatives that are guided by Indigenous knowledge, community strengths, and shared goals.

These relationships help ensure our programs and educational initiatives remain relevant, sustainable, and grounded in the experiences and wisdom of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenizing the Faculty of Medicine

We are committed to strengthening the Faculty's learning, gathering, and shared spaces so they are welcoming, inclusive, and reflective of Indigenous presence and perspectives.

We support the Indigenization of both physical and symbolic spaces throughout the Faculty of Medicine by increasing Indigenous visibility, celebrating Indigenous cultures and histories, and fostering environments where Indigenous learners, faculty, staff, and community members experience a genuine sense of belonging.

Indigenization is not an addition to our work—it is a shared institutional responsibility.

Indigenous Health Curriculum Development

Preparing future physicians means preparing them to provide culturally safe and equitable care.

We work across the Faculty of Medicine to strengthen Indigenous health education by identifying opportunities within the curriculum, supporting Indigenous-informed teaching approaches, and ensuring learners develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to work respectfully with Indigenous patients and communities.

This work contributes to better healthcare and stronger relationships between healthcare providers and Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Learner Support

Success begins with belonging.

We are committed to creating a supportive learning environment where Indigenous students feel respected, connected, and empowered throughout their medical education journey.

By listening to learners, responding to their needs, and creating opportunities to maintain cultural connections, we help foster a community where Indigenous learners can thrive academically, personally, and culturally.

Indigenous Learner Recruitment

Every future healer begins with opportunity.

We work with Indigenous communities and educational partners to encourage Indigenous students to explore careers in medicine and healthcare. Through outreach, mentorship, and pathway programs, we help make medical education more accessible while supporting learners every step of their journey.

Increasing Indigenous representation in medicine helps strengthen healthcare systems and improve health outcomes for Indigenous peoples and communities.