New partnership to expand education pathways for Indigenous youth into health care and traditional healing

Today, Women’s College Hospital and Foundation, the University of Toronto, and the Mastercard Foundation announced an innovative, new partnership that will create comprehensive pathways into post-secondary health care and traditional healing programs for Indigenous youth.

Rooted in Indigenous leadership, culture, ceremony, and community priorities, the program will be one of the most comprehensive Indigenous health education pathways in Canada.

The five-year partnership with Mastercard Foundation, supported by $13.4 million in funding, will support learners throughout their educational journeys, walking alongside young people from secondary school to post-secondary education to their entry into health professions.

Programming will be co-created in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of Spirit — a national Indigenous and women-led charity for healing, unity, and peacemaking, with a focus on strengthening traditional healing knowledge and practices for learners today and for generations to come.

By opening doors to mentorship, education, leadership development, and career opportunities, the initiative will support hundreds of Indigenous youth across Ontario as they explore their futures in care, research, leadership and healing. This support will also enable the establishment of a new apprenticeship-based Traditional Healer Fellowship and develop an accredited program in partnership with Indigenous organizations and educational institutions.

“Indigenous youth are already leading the way toward a future of health care that is more inclusive, culturally grounded and community-driven," said Lisa Richardson, Vice Dean, Strategy and Governance at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Strategic Lead in Indigenous Health for Women’s College Hospital. “This initiative will help ensure they have the support, mentorship and opportunities they need to carry that work forward.”

"This partnership is an investment in Indigenous youth, Indigenous knowledge, and a healthier future for communities across Canada," said Sandra Sualim, President & CEO, Women's College Hospital Foundation. 

"Together with Indigenous Community Partners, the Mastercard Foundation, Women’s College Hospital, and U of T, we are helping to create pathways that honour culture, strengthen community and support the next generation of health care leaders and traditional healers,” said Heather McPherson, President & CEO, Women’s College Hospital.

“Today, we see the recognition of traditional Indigenous knowledge systems and healing modalities emerge in some of the most prestigious institutions in this country. For the first time investments in professional learning opportunities for traditional Indigenous medicine and healing practices are made to advance cultures, languages and ceremonial ways that are millennia old,” said Kahontakwas Diane Longboat, President of the Institute for the Study of Spirit.

“Indigenous youth are driving a powerful vision for health care that is rooted in community, culture, and care,” said Jennifer Brennan, Senior Director, Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are proud to support pathways that honour Indigenous science and healing, alongside clinical education. This will create new pathways for young people to forge meaningful careers that integrate health care and traditional healing, contributing to community wellness today and for future generations.”

The initiative will be guided by an Indigenous-led Leadership Circle and delivered through a collaboration between Ganawishkadawe – The Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health at Women’s College Hospital, The Institute for the Study of Spirit and the Office of Indigenous Health and Office of Access and Outreach at Temerty Medicine, along with additional partners, such as Mushkiki Miiikan across the province.

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.

Over five years, the initiative will strengthen community connections, improve access to culturally relevant education, and support a new generation of Indigenous healthcare providers, researchers, leaders, and traditional healers.

The partnership responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by supporting Indigenous self-determination in healthcare and health education.

As determined and guided by Indigenous leaders, Mastercard Foundation, Women’s College Hospital Foundation, Women’s College Hospital, and U of T are committed to creating lasting systems change that honours Indigenous knowledges, strengthens community wellbeing, and expands opportunities for Indigenous youth across Ontario and beyond.