What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to uncover how educators implement Indigenous-specific anti-racist pedagogy in health education.

February 2, 2026Open Access

Implementing Indigenous-Specific Anti-Racism in Health Professionals’ Education: Pedagogical Principles from Educators’ Biographical Narratives

AGAmélie Blanchet Garneau CWCheryl WardSpecim (Finland)PLPatrick LavoieMontreal Heart Institute

Key Points

The aim is to uncover how educators implement Indigenous-specific anti-racist pedagogy in health education.
Conducted 17 in-depth interviews with educators in Canadian health programs
Used biographical narrative methodology for data collection
Validated analysis through focus groups and follow-up interviews
Identified six interconnected pedagogical principles
Six key principles for Indigenous-specific anti-racist education were established
Principles emphasize Indigenous knowledge and relational teaching
Encouraged safe spaces for addressing discomfort and resistance
Highlighted the need for accountability in educational practices

Abstract

Racism within healthcare systems remains a critical barrier to equitable care for Indigenous Peoples. Despite calls from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada to integrate anti-racist frameworks into health education, implementation remains limited. Understanding how educators integrate Indigenous-specific anti-racist pedagogy is essential for developing effective and sustainable teaching approaches. This study aimed to identify the pedagogical principles that educators implement when teaching Indigenous-specific anti-racism in health professionals’ education programs. Using biographical narrative methodology, we conducted 17 in-depth interviews between September 2023 and March 2024 with educators who met three criteria: (1) teaching in Canadian health professional programs, (2) explicit commitment to anti-racist approaches, and (3) focus on Indigenous health content. Analysis was validated through race-based focus groups (n = 8), individual follow-up interviews (n = 4), and written feedback (n = 5). Thematic analysis identified six interconnected pedagogical principles specifically designed for Indigenous-specific anti-racist education, grounded in educators’ lived experiences: (1) centering and privileging Indigenous knowledge, worldviews, and strategies; (2) adopting a relational approach to teaching and learning; (3) contextualizing content in relation to colonialism; (4) supporting transformational learning leading to action; (5) embracing discomfort and addressing resistance; and (6) incorporating accountability mechanisms. These principles collectively create safe and transformative learning environments that challenge systemic racism in healthcare education. Implementing Indigenous-specific anti-racist pedagogy requires a holistic, systemic approach that centers Indigenous knowledge, fosters relational learning, and embeds accountability. These principles provide a framework for educators and institutions committed to decolonizing health education and advancing health equity for Indigenous Peoples.

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