Women’s College Hospital Foundation, Women’s College Hospital, and the University of Toronto
Women’s College Hospital Foundation leads this transformative partnership alongside three partners: Ganawishkadawe—The Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health at Women’s College Hospital, the Office of Indigenous Health at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine (TFOM), and the Institute for the Study of Spirit in Six Nations of the Grand River, a project of the Carold Institute. Together, they will mentor and support Indigenous youth pursuing careers in healthcare and traditional healing, helping to improve the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples and drive meaningful health system transformation.
The five-year partnership will build a comprehensive, connected, and long-term support system for Indigenous youth interested in healthcare and traditional healing, from high school through post-secondary education. Key outcomes include mentorship and academic support for Indigenous learners, the integration of traditional healing into healthcare education, the development and delivery of accredited certificates and fellowships in traditional healing, and the strengthening of reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities.
By creating new educational resources, outreach initiatives, and programming, as well as expanding existing networks and community partnerships, this initiative ensures Indigenous students are supported throughout their educational and career journeys. It will help shape the future of healthcare by supporting the next generation of Indigenous providers, leaders, and advocates as strategic thinkers, collaborators, and changemakers grounded in traditional teachings, ceremony, and culture.
Key components include:
- A holistic Indigenous health education and resource hub connecting youth, communities, educators, healthcare professionals, and traditional healers.
- Expanded health career pathway programming for Indigenous students in secondary school and beyond.
- Enhanced mentorship and support for Indigenous undergraduate and medical students.
- A province-wide Indigenous medical student pre-matriculation program focused on leadership, healing, resilience, and cultural connection.
- A traditional Healer Fellowship supporting the training of future healers through apprenticeship-based learning.
- Developing accredited traditional healing programs.
New Partnership to Expand Education Pathways for Indigenous Youth Into Healthcare and Traditional Healing
The five-year partnership with Mastercard Foundation, will support learners throughout their educational journeys, walking alongside young people from secondary school to post-secondary education to their entry into health professions.
