Health Sciences Work Together to Organize Successful Gathering on Indigenous Health
Health-focused gathering looks at approaches to developing successful partnerships between Indigenous communities, health care providers and researchers.
The University of Saskatchewan’s (U of S) health science colleges and schools invited health professionals, Indigenous health service organizations, students, community partners and key Indigenous stakeholders to a two-day Gathering in Saskatoon March 15 and 16 to discuss approaches to developing reciprocal, respectful partnerships between Indigenous communities, health care providers and researchers.
More than 400 participants attended the Gathering for miyo mahcihowin—meaning physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being—featuring six plenary sessions with 11 well-known speakers, highlighting priority areas, such as mental well-being, access to service, chronic diseases and recovery from addictions.
“The Gathering was an opportunity to work together and learn about the successes and challenges that Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples experience while working in health areas,” said Dr. Holly Graham, Gathering co-chair and faculty member in the College of Nursing. “Prior to the Gathering, members from different Indigenous groups shared with the planning committee the health topics that they felt needed to be addressed within their communities and the topics and the speakers for the Gathering were then chosen based on this information. We were extremely pleased with how the Gathering was received and with the participants’ level of engagement.”
“In organizing the Gathering, we wanted to ensure the process aligned with The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action that have highlighted that we all have a responsibility to ensuring the health and well-being of all people in Canada,” said Dr. Jaris Swidrovich, faculty member in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition who co-chaired the Gathering with Graham. “The Gathering was a community driven event focused on health issues that were identified by Saskatchewan Indigenous peoples—when everyone works together, we are working towards better health for everyone—for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.”
The planning committee would like to extend their gratitude to the many people who contributed to making the event a true success—the Elders for their guidance, Indigenous community members who shared their priorities, the generous investors (including all U of S health science colleges and schools) and the participants.
As well, thank you to the planning partners, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Saskatchewan Indigenous Mentorship Network and Chris Scribe, who provided advice and guidance.
“We hope the Gathering provided an opportunity for everyone in attendance to reaffirm existing partnerships and establish new relationships with one another,” said Graham.