Transforming Learners: Integrating Indigenous Content into a Canadian Occupational Therapy Program

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy Education
• Indigenous Health
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Post-secondary institutions, including occupational therapy programs, are integrating Indigenous content following Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.
• Limited research exists on how this integration impacts learners' beliefs and attitudes, hindering assessment of reconciliation progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of Indigenous curricular content on occupational therapy learners' beliefs and attitudes.
• To understand potential unintended consequences of curriculum changes aimed at reconciliation.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post survey design was employed with first-year occupational therapy learners.
• The evaluation assessed changes after the introduction of 17 hours of Indigenous content across five courses.

Main Results:

• Some learners showed decreased perceived professional responsibility and reduced support for social action and related policies.
• A small increase in blaming attitudes toward Indigenous Peoples was observed, with no significant changes in causal beliefs.
• Higher blaming attitudes correlated with lower endorsement of social action and reduced perceived responsibility for change.

Conclusions:

• Curricular integration of Indigenous content can have unintended negative effects on learners' attitudes and beliefs.
• Ongoing critical evaluation of such programs is essential to identify and mitigate potential backfire effects.
• Findings underscore the need for dialogue on best practices and resource allocation in Indigenous education within health professions.