A Community-Based Approach to
Decolonizing and Indigenizing Pharmacy
Uprooting colonial processes and systemic barriers to support decolonization and Indigenization
Welcome to UPROOT. Our lab comprises a diverse team of pharmacists, educators, and students from Indigenous and settler backgrounds. We share a commitment to addressing deep-rooted issues of our past and present colonial history to move toward respect, responsibility, relevance, and reciprocity with community partners.
Our Research and Educational Initiatives
UPROOT applies a community‑based participatory research (CBPR) framework to advance decolonization and Indigenization in pharmacy education, research and practice. Our team integrates Indigenous and Western knowledge systems using a Two‑Eyed Seeing methodology that centers on relational accountability with Indigenous partners and communities across Canada.
Education & Curriculum
We co-design, evaluate, and implement Indigenous health and cultural safety modules focusing on 5 core pillars: Colonialism, Power and Privilege, Cultural Safety and Humility, Health and Healing, and Ethical Engagement.
Research Projects
Community-based research and/or practice-based projects across 6 domains: Vancouver Foundation, Health Education, Community Health & Advocacy, Pharmacy Practice, Traditional Health & Medicines, and Cultural Teaching & Learning.
Student Support
The Indigenous Pharmacy Student Collegium (IPSC) facilitates mentorship, cultural immersion, and academic support structures for self‑identified Indigenous students in the PharmD program.
Community Engagement
OCAP principles guide our sustained community engagement; relational continuity and reciprocity guide project governance.
UPROOT Indigenous Pharmacy Student Collegium
The IPSC is a student-led social club that aims to provide self-identified Indigenous students, across all four years of the Entry-to-Practice PharmD program a safe space to engage with others and participate in cultural immersion activities.
