Centering community: using principles of community engagement to support veterinary service-learning programs with Indigenous communities in Canada.

Abstract

Veterinary service-learning programs can address gaps in access to care while fostering ethical, culturally responsive education. This paper examines 2 long-standing initiatives at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Northern Community Health Rotation, and the Equine Service-Learning Initiative, which center Indigenous partner communities through sustained, reciprocal engagement and how they relate to principles of veterinary community engagement. Program evaluations demonstrate improved animal health outcomes and transformative, culturally responsive student learning.