June is National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month – a time to learn about and celebrate the rich history, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, while also recognizing the ongoing trauma and harm experienced by Indigenous peoples and building a path toward reconciliation.
As a key entry point to our health system, the pharmacy community has an important role to play in helping to advance more inclusive health care across Canada.
Indigenous Training for Pharmacy Professionals course now available
Moving beyond traditional online learning, the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Training for Pharmacy Professionals series features an interactive educational experience enhanced with authentic patient cases, storytelling and a pharmacy-specific take on the evolving care standards for diverse patient populations. This is the first of two series that responds to the need for Equity, Diversity, Inclusive and Indigenous Health training specific to pharmacy professionals and practice, with content uniquely developed by pharmacy professionals who are members of Indigenous, Black, Disabled and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities. Special indroductory pricing available until June 30.
To access the module:
- Register on AFPC’s eLearn platform at eLearnHCP.ca/pharmacy
- Enrol in the EDI and Indigenous Health and Cultural Safety Training Modules
- Start learning!
In case you missed it! The Indigenous Terminology module is also available through the eLearn platform and is now available free of charge. The Indigenous Terminology module was developed by Marie Rocchi (University of Toronto) and has been endorsed by the Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (IPPC).
Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada
The Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (IPPC) is an Indigenous-led association that has been established to connect and support Indigenous pharmacy professionals and help all pharmacists provide better care to Indigenous patients by creating and promoting pharmacy practice models that respect the safety, equality, strengths and teachings of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. CPhA is proud to support and collaborate with IPPC.
Indigenous Pharmacy Scholarship – Deadline June 21, 2025
IPPC and CPhA are accepting applications for the Indigenous Pharmacy Scholarship! With both PharmD and technician scholarships available for the 2025-2026 academic year, this funding will help reduce financial barriers for Indigenous youth interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy. Applications are being accepted until June 21, 2025. Meet last year’s recipients.
Pharmacy Check-Ins
We caught up with some Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals to talk about pharmacy practice and providing safe, inclusive health care to Indigenous communities.
Resource Round-up: Indigenous Health
Check out our Indigenous Health Resource Round-up for info and resources to help you provide accessible and inclusive care to Indigenous patients.
Recordings
Navigating the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program
CPhA and the Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (IPPC) have created this series of short videos to help you navigate the NIHB program. These videos have transcripts; by clicking on the CC button you have the option to turn on captions in French or English.
Pharmacy professionals’ guide to navigating the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program (April 9, 2024)
The webinar explores how to navigate and administer the NIHB program, challenges facing providers and patients in accessing the program, and approaches to culturally safe patient care when faced with coverage or other barriers.
Understanding the Indigenous experience from both sides of the pharmacy counter (June 19, 2023)
In this session, you’ll hear from a panel of Indigenous pharmacy professionals as they discuss their experiences within the pharmacy community, the role that pharmacists can play in understanding and addressing health disparities facing Indigenous patients and communities and how we can better provide culturally safe, inclusive care.