wahkohtowin (We are All Related and Interconnected)
Dr. Holly Graham, RN, BA, BScN, MN, PhD, R.D. Psychologist, a member of the Thunderchild First Nation, was awarded an Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing in April 2020. Her appointment has been extended until 2027. Entitled wahkohtowin, this research chair is focused on mentorship and reconciliation, with the goal of improving the health of Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) peoples. This is one of six such chairs awarded across Canada. These Indigenous Research Chairs in Nursing promote research in Indigenous Health Nursing, thus furthering the development of knowledge and best and wise practices related to nursing practice, education, research, and administration.
In addition, the Chair supports research on the social, economic, and cultural determinants of health and Indigenous holistic health practices to improve the health of Indigenous Peoples, and mentors undergraduate and graduate nursing students.
Funding for the University of Saskatchewan (USask) chair totals almost $1.05 million, with contributions of $666,500 from Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), $308,500 from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF), $10,000 from the Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF), and $60,000 from USask.
Dr. Graham created this framework to illustrate the principles of wahkohtowin, how we are all interconnected and interrelated - which guides all of her work. The late Mr. Austin Tootoosis (kihte-ayak), a member of Poundmaker Cree Nation, explained basic wahkohtowin principles to Holly before his passing in November 2022. All activities within this Chair are addressed holistically and honour the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings. Ultimately, the goal of Dr. Graham’s Chair is to do no harm; to create the space and opportunity for personal, community, and collective healing; and to transform relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous peoples. To achieve these goals, she will focus on mentorship and reconciliation within nursing education in Saskatchewan.
wahkohtowin
This Cree word is used across Turtle Island to describe kinship. wahkohtowin explains how we are related and interconnected to each other and to all of creation in the sky, on the land, in the water, and within the ground. Within this kinship there are Cree codes of conduct that describe personal and collective responsibility to each other and to our environment.
wahkohtowin (We are All Related and Interconnected) Research Framework
The Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) provides support and mentorship to Dr. Graham in her role as Indigenous Research Chair. They advise on the implementation of the Chair’s priorities.
IAC members consist of faculty from the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Elders, students, and community members.
Indigenous Research Chair CPR Racism Presentation
Since being appointed the Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing, Dr. Graham has delivered numerous presentations and scholarly talks. One such presentation is featured below.
Research Projects with First Nation Communities
FMHRN (SK-NEIHR)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), announced funding to establish nine Indigenous health research centres across Canada under its Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) program. This network of centres is funded from 2020 to 2035, to create and sustain supportive research driven by and grounded in Indigenous communities in Canada. Dr. Graham is one of the Scientific Directors for the First Nation Research Centre.
Learn more about how to get involved in Indigenous Health Research in Saskatchewan.
Ontario NEIHR
Also funded through Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Ontario NEIHR is a national network for ending Indigenous illness and promoting Indigenous mental health and healing. Dr. Graham is on the leadership team for this group and is the theme lead for Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions.
At these camps, First Nations youth have positive social interactions and participate in land-based learning and healing as part of reclaiming and rebuilding their First Nation identity.
The National Indian Brotherhood funded this project with a grant of $95,898. Their support allows youth from White Buffalo Youth Lodge to attend these camps.
This project is funded by the Ontario Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR).
Dr. Graham is working with Muskoday First Nation to develop a community wellness plan based on the Cree Spiritual Laws.
Chair Initiatives
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The Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing has collaborated with the Anti-Racism Network to offer a three-module, six-day Anti-Racism Education series. Each module runs for two days, seven hours per day, and includes an additional four to six hours of preparation with readings and videos. By the end of the series, participants will have a basic understanding of racist policies and history in Canada, along with strategies to recognize and challenge racism and advocate for social justice.
Dr. Graham funded this training annually (2019 – 2024) for University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic nursing staff, clinical instructors and faculty, as well as for other USask colleges and departments, and allied health professionals in Saskatchewan.
Learn more about 'CPR RACISM: A Guide for Health Care Providers to Address Racism in Health Care."
Watch the educational video here.
Dr. Graham initiated the creation of the first Indigenous Professional Practice Group (PPG) through the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS). This group is called kā-wīci-pimohtēmāt (pronounced: gaah-weechi-bimohte-maat), which is a Cree word meaning s/he who walks with others in their journey. The purpose of this group is to educate, collaborate, and enable all Saskatchewan nurses to work together to address the current health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and to facilitate a platform for direct communication between the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) and the Indigenous nurses in this province, in line with The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.
The Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing will provide an annual award to graduates of a nursing program pursuing a master or doctoral degree. To learn more about this award, please visit our graduate awards page.
Dr. Graham co-chaired the 2018 Gathering for miyomahcihowin and the 2020 Gathering for miyomahcihowin and mii yoo naa kaa twayh ta mihk. Both Gatherings were to address health topics chosen by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community partners in Saskatchewan. The planning committee for these gatherings created this lanyard card as a meaningful gift for participants. Although the 2020 conference was cancelled due to COVID-19, Dr. Graham now gifts these cards to stakeholders across the University of Saskatchewan, with a long-term plan to share widely across Saskatchewan.
This card was developed through the collective efforts of many people who carefully reflected on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Online Courses
Resources
A wide range of resources are available for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Indigenous culture and history, the vital work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and best practices for conducting research in partnership with Indigenous communities. To explore these resources, please visit the Indigenous Professional Practice Group website - resources.
