San’Yas cultural safety training attracts interest

With funding from SFU’s Aboriginal Strategic Initiatives Fund, the university is offering Indigenous cultural safety training to all interested university employees. The six-week, interactive, on-line program teaches participants about Indigenous terminology, diversity, colonial history, and the contexts for understanding social disparities and inequities. Participants also learn about cultural stereotyping and the consequences and legacies of colonization.

The San’Yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program is offered through the Provincial Health Services Authority, and is suitable for any organization.

“We’re delighted with employee interest in the course and with the feedback of those who have taken it,” says Sandi de Domenico, associate v-p, human resources.

“We’re hearing people say it has laid an excellent foundation for understanding the history and culture of Indigenous people, that it has opened their eyes to the needs and challenges going forward, and that they are interested in furthering their awareness and understanding.

To date, 310 employees have either taken the course or are registered for upcoming courses in 2019.