Advanced Skill Certificate in Community Engagement for Indigenous Communities
Published on June 24, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm excited to have Dr. Jane Smith with us. She's an expert in community engagement and has been instrumental in designing a new course titled "Advanced Skill Certificate in Community Engagement for Indigenous Communities". Dr. Smith, can you tell us more about this course? GUEST: Absolutely! This course empowers professionals working with Indigenous communities by developing their cultural competency and effective communication skills. We also focus on participatory approaches for project design and implementation, understanding Indigenous knowledge systems, and self-determination principles. HOST: That sounds fascinating! With your experience, what would you say are some current industry trends relevant to this course? GUEST: There's growing recognition of the importance of cultural safety and humility in all sectors dealing with Indigenous communities. Also, there's increased emphasis on co-creation and shared decision-making processes. HOST: Interesting. Have you faced any challenges in teaching or learning this subject matter? GUEST: Yes, breaking down stereotypes and biases can be challenging, but it's crucial for building respectful partnerships. Another challenge is ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and up-to-date with the changing needs of Indigenous communities. HOST: How do you address these challenges in your course? GUEST: We create a safe learning environment where participants can share openly. We regularly update the content based on feedback and emerging issues. It's all about continuous improvement and learning together. HOST: That's commendable. Looking forward, where do you see the future of community engagement, especially in relation to Indigenous communities? GUEST: I believe we'll see more collaborative models of engagement where Indigenous self-determination is at the core. There will also be a stronger focus on capacity building within Indigenous communities themselves. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today! To our listeners, check out the "Advanced Skill Certificate in Community Engagement for Indigenous Communities" to learn more about transforming your practice!