Kwantlen Polytechnic University has just wrapped up a year of collaboration with its namesake to improve Indigenous health care.

By connecting with the Kwantlen First Nation (KFN) community this past year, students were challenged to explore and align their personal views toward Indigenous people while integrating nursing science and education.

鈥淭his is a way for students to take meaningful steps to learn, first-hand, Indigenous truth and then take actual steps toward meaningful reconciliation. Students leave campus and go into the community for an education that is not achievable within the walls of a classroom,鈥� said Connie Klimek, chair of KPU鈥檚 bachelor of science in nursing program. 鈥淣ursing is very experiential, and this initiative demonstrates KPU鈥檚 institutional value as a place where thought meets action.鈥�

Students are asked to explore their values and biases toward Indigenous people. That exploration laid the groundwork for further reflection at the KFN longhouse in 91原创. The collaboration also gave students the opportunity to listen to elders and community members share experiences through drumming, songs, and storytelling. Students were also introduced to Slahal, a traditional game of guessing and sticks, and had the chance to share a meal with KFN community members of all ages.

鈥淲e decided to bring food that represented our cultures since they would be welcoming us and teaching us about theirs. When we finished eating, we had the opportunity to sit and listen to the heart-wrenching stories about their past hardships and how the residential schools mistreated them and their ancestors,鈥� said student Amanda Willis.

She said it will make a difference in her nursing.

鈥淚n my future nursing career, I am going to hold this experience with me so that I can continue to learn, to listen, to respect, and to be open-minded to all walks of life,鈥� Willis added.

Elder Karen Gabriel provided students further education by sharing about the important relationship between Indigenous people and the land and environment. Students learned about plants such as cascara 鈥� once used as a laxative 鈥� and willow bark, which was used for headaches and pain. Gabriel鈥檚 presentations were followed by forest walks at Campbell Valley Regional Park for a hands-on learning experience of Indigenous plants, therapies, and traditions.

鈥淭he students love it. I tell them stories about my life and how I learned about plants. I make it fun,鈥� Gabriel said. 鈥淎 lot of native medicines originated from our wild natural plants.鈥�

The nurses also had a chance to work with families through the KFN Aboriginal Head Start program. Students supported the healthy emotional, social, spiritual, physical, and intellectual development of children through culture and language, education, health promotion, nutrition, parent and family involvement, and social support.

KPU students also supported an onsite dental program that reinforces children鈥檚 oral hygiene and the daily 鈥�5210鈥� model of five or more fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of screen time, one hour or more of physical activity, and zero sugary drinks.

The experience helped student Deanne Galang see from a new perspective.

鈥淭he stories they shared about the fear they have going to the hospital has influenced the care I will provide to my future clients, especially clients of the Indigenous community,鈥� Galang said. 鈥淭he Kwantlen First Nation community has inspired me to become more selfless and a kinder person to everyone.鈥�

.

鈥� READ MORE: Racism a factor in unequal health care provided Indigenous women: PHAC study

鈥� READ MORE: FNHA partners to create culturally safe health care guide