Indigenous HealthPh.D.

PH 781. Principles of Indigenous Health-1. 3 Credits.

This is a three-credit hour course designed to provide students with a critical understanding of determinants of Indigenous health and health disparities. In this course we will define Indigenous populations, histories, cultures, societies, traditional healing systems, food sources, patterns and impact of colonization, and health disparities. We will address historical and ongoing traumas associated with colonization and colonialism, understanding Indigenous concepts of health and healing, and ways of moving toward health equity. Populations we will assess include American Indian/Alaska Native, First Nations, Inuit, Sami, Aboriginal Australian, Maori, Ainu, and Pacific Islanders. Prerequisite: Admission into the Indigenous Health PhD or prior approval from the instructor. F.

PH 765. Indigenous Research Methods. 3 Credits.

The goal of this course is to introduce the use of Indigenous Research Methods and case studies from around the world to demonstrate the specific methodologies that are appropriate for the transformative paradigm of research and the historical and cultural traditions of Indigenous populations. This course is a culminating course in the PhD curriculum and will provide preparation for dissertation and portfolio development. Prerequisites: Successful completion of PH 762 and PH 763 or prior approval from instructor, CITI Human Subjects & ethics training completed. SS.

PH 761. Indigenous Evaluation Frameworks. 3 Credits.

Building upon the CDC Public Health Program Evaluation model, Indigenous communities can take ownership of the evaluation process and be cognizant of and responsive to traditional values and culture. This class will focus primarily on Indigenous public health evaluation principles utilizing the American Indian Higher Education Consortium's Indigenous Evaluation Framework. (https://evaluationcanada.ca/secure/23-2-013.pdf) The Indigenous Evaluation Framework utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods, measuring experiences over time, and looks at what Indigenous communities have done and are doing from multiple perspectives including individual and communal experiences. The Indigenous evaluation process will be guided by key principles in the framework. American Indians have ways of assessing merit or worth based on traditional values and cultural expressions. This knowledge should inform how evaluation is conducted and used in our communities; Indigenous framing for evaluation incorporates broadly held values while remaining flexible and responsive to local traditions and cultures; Responsive evaluation uses practices and methods from the field of evaluation that fit our needs and conditions; By defining evaluation, its meaning, practice, and usefulness in our own terms, we take ownership. We are not merely responding to the requirements imposed by Western practices; Evaluation should respect and serve tribal goals for self-determination and sovereignty; and Evaluation is an opportunity for learning from our programs and effectively using information to create strong, viable tribal communities. Prerequisites: Admission into Indigenous Health PhD Program, completion of PH 760 Public Health Program Evaluation, or prior approval from instructor. F.

PH 784. Indigenous Health Policy. 3 Credits.

In this course, we will describe Indigenous health disparities, health systems, and policies in terms of their impact on Indigenous health internationally. We will focus on how national health systems engage, or do not engage, Indigenous peoples, as well as analyzing how health policy has an impact on Indigenous health status. The course is divided into Modules to assess specific nations' health systems and Indigenous health disparities as well as promising practices in Indigenous health policy. Prerequisite: Admission into Indigenous Health PhD Program, completion of PH 583 or 783, or prior approval from instructor. S.

PH 745. Indigenous Leadership & Ethics. 3 Credits.

Indigenous peoples and communities need to be at the heart of the leadership framework, including: Social innovation, research and policy development; Land, culture, arts and language are vital for healthy communities and economies Indigenous self-determination for a mutually beneficial relationship among populations; and Indigenous values, including humility, as a basis for Indigenous leadership practice. In this course students will examine leadership, organizational and change theory, and the skills required to lead Indigenous health agencies and community-based organizations in the context of changing demographics and increasing diversity. As society becomes increasingly globalized and diverse, there is a growing need for state/provincial, federal/national and international awareness in organizations regarding the impact that diverse perspectives have on leadership practice. Prerequisite: Admission into Indigenous Health PhD Program or prior approval from instructor. F.