PHARM 450 Aboriginal Issues in Health and Healing

Pharmacy (2009-2010)

This course examines the many issues surrounding the health of aboriginal people living in Canada as an example of a culture with a holistic perception of health as a state of balance of body, mind, spirit and emotions which, like many indigenous societies, has been subjected to foreign domination. During the 12 weeks of class, students will come to understand the present-day health issues of aboriginal peoples from the perspective of their historical and political context, the effects of health-care policy, and their own spirituality and wisdom. The many highly qualified speakers from the Aboriginal community, its focus on health and the healing process and its experiential format make this course unique in the university. Optional field trips such as the "medicine walk" on the Six Nations reserve and a purification (sweat) lodge ceremony are included to give students first-hand experience and insight into Aboriginal orientations to health and healing.