The Saskatchewan Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (SK-NEIHR) hosted the second annual First Nations and Métis Research Engagement Day at our Regina Campus on November 29, 2024. The event commenced with an opening prayer led by Knowledge Keeper Dennis Omeasoo, who also shared a Cree word to convey the spirit of the day. Attendees received brief greetings from representatives of the University of Regina, the University of Saskatchewan, and the First Nations University of Canada. Additionally, an overview of the Saskatchewan NEIHR was provided, along with a presentation of their legacy project: Digital Storytelling featuring Northern Métis cancer survivors from Northern Saskatchewan, presented by Dr. Bobby Henry and Terri Hansen-Gardiner.
Session 1
- Earth Teachings and Insights from Elders About Culture Camps (Angelina Weenie, Dean of the UPEI Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS), University of Prince Edward Island; formerly at First Nations University)
- Honoring Wisdom: Listening to Our Elders (Miranda Keewatin, Research Manager, All Hope Network/Margaret Kîsikâw Piyêsîs, Finance and Research Director, All Hope Network)
- Exploring connections between mental health, Indigenous languages and human-land animal wahkotowina (Charlotte Ross, Indigenous Studies, University of Saskatchewan/Winona Wheeler, Indigenous Studies, University of Saskatchewan)
- Traditional Games Play by Indigenous Peoples (Crystal Janvier, First Nations Addictions Rehabilitation Foundation, FSIN /Kyle Prettyshield, Executive Director, FSIN)
With the end of Session 1, lunch was served, and everyone enjoyed a delightful meal catered by kôhkom Bea’s Café. Following the lunch break, the afternoon sessions commenced.
Session 2
- Building MRIs for Education and Hope (Gordon Sarty, Psychology, University of Saskatchewan/Mark Pollard, Dean, Trades & Industrial (AME shop), SIIT)
- Food Security and Dietary Challenges of Urban Indigenous Peoples in Saskatchewan: Barriers and Pathways to Resilience through Traditional Practices (Mojtaba Shafiee, College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan/Hassan Vatanparast, College of Pharmacy & Nutrition and the School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan)
- A Critical Review of the Role of Pharmacists in Providing Care to Indigenous Peoples Living with Diabetes (Izuchukwu Ejie, College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan)
Session 3
- Needs and Experiences of Saskatchewan First Nations Communities with Virtual Care: A
Community-Directed Assessment (Briana, Bowes, College of Medicine & the Virtual Health Hub, University of Saskatchewan /Stacey Lovo, School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan)
- Lived Experience is an Education, Second to None (Daniel Hearn, Creator, Producer, and Host, Hard Knox Talks)
The day concluded with closing remarks and a closing prayer to wrap up the entire event. The First Nations University of Canada was proud to partner with and support this initiative.
(the good path through life)
