2. Background Phase I: Identify communication problems Towle A, Godolphin W, Alexander E. Doctor–patient communications in the Aboriginal community: Towards the development of educational programs. Patient Education & Counseling 2006; 62: 340-6 Phase II: Identify learning needs & strategies Scarpino G, Niemeyer M, Kline C, Godolphin W, Towle A. “Not Just … Another Indian Dollar”? Aboriginal communities collaborating in the development of educational programs for health professionals. International Conference Where’s the Patient’s Voice in Health Professional Education? Vancouver 3-5 Nov 2005 Phase III: Develop partnerships & provide community placement opportunities

3. Partnerships & Participants Summer 2005 Métis Family Services Métis Family Services Vancouver Friendship Centre Vancouver Friendship Centre Summer 2006 Sto:lo Nation Sto:lo Nation Xyolhemeylh Child & Family Services Xyolhemeylh Child & Family Services Chehalis First Nation Chehalis First Nation 7 Medical students 7 Medical students 1 Midwifery student 1 Midwifery student 1 Science student (pre- med) 1 Science student (pre- med) 1 Arts student (sociology) 1 Arts student (sociology)

4. Outcomes Community Participation not Observation Participation not Observation Reciprocity key to building community partnerships Reciprocity key to building community partnerships Respect = “…being in our cultural circuit” [Elder] Respect = “…being in our cultural circuit” [Elder]Students Increased interest in working with Aboriginal patients/clients Increased interest in working with Aboriginal patients/clients Identity linked to family & where one comes from Identity linked to family & where one comes from Relevance of storeytelling Relevance of storeytelling

5. Next Steps How do we share the outcomes with the community? How do we share the outcomes with the community? How do we help to build community capacity to achieve sustainability? How do we help to build community capacity to achieve sustainability?