Simon Fraser University
EN-9: Staff Professional Development

San’yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) training is a unique, facilitated on-line training program designed to increase knowledge, enhance self-awareness, and strengthen the skills of those who work both directly and indirectly with Aboriginal people. The goal of the ICS training is to further develop individual competencies and promote positive partnerships. Skilled facilitators guide and support each participant through dynamic and interactive learning modules. Participants will learn about terminology; diversity; aspects of colonial history such as Indian residential schools and Indian Hospitals, time line of historical events; and contexts for understanding social disparities and inequities. Through interactive activities participants examine cultural, stereotyping, and the consequences and legacies of colonization. Participants will also be introduced to tools for developing more effective communication and relationship building skills. The program was developed by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) Aboriginal Health Program. The Core ICS training is general, and relevant for foundational learning for many disciplines.

As per SFU's Professional Development policy (AD 10.10), all continuing employees at SFU are eligible to apply for professional development programs. Such programs assist the employee to acquire the knowledge and skills required to maximize their performance in their current position, acquire new competencies in response to, or in preparation for, changing position requirements or new position opportunities, develop or redirect their career as individual or organizational needs change, acquire knowledge and understanding respecting issues of fairness, equity, and human rights. Continuing Employees are eligible for reimbursement of 100% of the course costs of off-campus Job-Related Courses approved by their supervisor up to a maximum of $1000 in any one calendar year. Furthermore, the University will reimburse the Employee for allowable Professional Development expenses that are not otherwise reimbursed by the University. This reimbursement is in addition to funds normally made available by departments for Professional Development. The amount of reimbursement available for Professional Development is $700 per calendar year. The following expenses incurred by a Continuing Employee on their own behalf are eligible to be reimbursed: professional dues, subscriptions, journals and books, equipment, including computer hardware and software, and conference fees, including travel and associated expenses.