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 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.
Coming soon: New SRH toolkit supporting Indigenous, including Two-Spirit, patient care
CPhA will soon launch a new sexual and reproductive health (SRH) toolkit to support pharmacists in providing inclusive, culturally safe care for Indigenous, including Two-Spirit individuals.
Developed in collaboration with Indigenous professionals, with contributions, expertise, and oversight led by the Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (IPPC), this toolkit will help pharmacists strengthen their understanding of Indigenous health systems, approaches to care and relationship-building with First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients and communities.
Indigenous Pharmacy Scholarship
IPPC and CPhA are accepting applications for the Indigenous Pharmacy Scholarship! With both PharmD and technician scholarships available for the 2026-2027 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 22, 2026. Meet last year’s recipients.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Indigenous Health Modules for Pharmacy Professionals
Developed in partnership with the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC), the Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (IPPC), PRIDE-Rx and the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada, this pharmacy-specific training series helps pharmacists and pharmacy technicians strengthen their understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigenous wellness and culturally safe care.
- Register on AFPC’s eLearn platform at eLearnHCP.ca/pharmacy
In case you missed it! The Indigenous Terminology module is also available through the eLearn platform and is now available free of charge.
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.