Nursing students use creative projects to explore Indigenous culture and Canadian history
Group photo of the first-year nursing students in the Indigenous Health Studies class.
First-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at Medicine Hat College (MHC) are using creative projects to explore Canadian history and Indigenous culture. The projects are part of an Indigenous Health Studies course (NRSG 202) that examines the impacts of colonialism and its ongoing influence on public health.
“My hope is that by participating in this course, students become more reflective and aware of their own personal values, assumptions, and possible biases. I want them to approach each client interaction with genuine curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to listen, learn, and support people from all walks of life,” says nursing instructor, Leana Forsyth. “This course is not about technical nursing skills. It is about learning who you are and how you think, so you can transform your nursing practice.”
The Story Robe project draws on Indigenous storytelling traditions to help students reflect on their learning. Students choose symbols that represent their personal growth and future careers, then explain what those symbols mean and how they connect to course material. Using their creativity to represent these symbols, the work varied from beadwork to animations, to reflect their personal growth and learning.
While some students may have an understanding of Canada’s history, others are entirely new to this topic. The course creates a space for openness and reflection on accountability, personal growth, and advocacy for systemic change. Students practice vulnerability and learn how to support clients in their future work.
As they complete the course, nursing student, Jasmin Hoffman-Gates reflects on the importance of understanding a patient’s history when providing care.
“There's so much more to a person's health than their symptoms. There's underlying trauma and usually more things going on. It’s okay to look deeper because there's always something going on that could lead you to a better answer.”
Students have learned to advocate within their personal and professional life.
“I had to learn how to speak up for Indigenous people. There's a lot of people that have cultural stereotypes,” says nursing student, Courtney Cheney. “That's something I struggle with a lot of the time, but when it's for the right reason, it's a lot easier to speak up.”
Forsyth said the course represents growth for both students and instructors. She hopes future nurses will understand the impacts of colonialism, approach each scenario without judgment, and continue learning about Indigenous perspectives.
By using creativity to show representation, MHC nursing students are taking the steps better understand future clients within their professional career.
Visit www.mhc.ab.ca to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Interested in a career in nursing? check out