Kwe', kuei, aingai, hello,

The Faculty of Medicine’s Indigenous Health Office would like to express our gratitude to everyone who joined us at the 2025 Indigenous Health Research Symposium—in person and virtually, from near and far. To our presenters: thank you for your courage and generosity. To our planning committee and volunteers: thank you for your time and your invaluable involvement.

Our goal in hosting this symposium was to reconnect, to advance equitable Indigenous health research in its many forms, and to honor the stories and wisdom shared. This is part of our ongoing work to break down silos and reimagine research as something that uplifts and heals—something rooted in trust, in relationship, and in shared purpose.

The day was filled with powerful stories, insights, and research that remind us of the strength, creativity, and resilience found within Indigenous communities and among those working in partnership with them. We have witnessed what happens when research is grounded in community priorities, guided by culture, and led with respect.

The program for the 2025 Indigenous Health Research Symposium can be found here. You will find links to several of the recorded presentations below. Please check back here for updates on forthcoming symposiums and calls for presenters.

For more information, please email indigenoushealth@mun.ca.

Nakummek, wela lioq, tshinashkumitinau, thank you.

Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine is situated in St.John’s, NL on the ancestral homeland of the Beothuk.

Considering Health Wholistically: the process of operationalizing the IQI model of Inuit health
Presented by Morgen Bertheussen, McGill University

Understanding root causes of Indigenous health outcomes and how to move forward in a good way
Presented by Dr. Nicole Blackman, DNP, MN, RN, Indigenous Primary Health Care Council

Patshitinikutau Natukunisha Tshishennuat Uitshuau (a place for Elders to spend their last days in life): Innu perspectives on end-of-life care
Presented by Dr. Russel Dawe, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University

The journey of the Kamlamunikk (Heart)
Presented by Dr. Erica (Samms) Hurley, (Mi’kmaq), Memorial University, Assistant Professor PhD RN CCNE 

Increasing Indigenous Participation in the Physician Workforce – Insights from Members of Qalipu First Nation
Presented by Shaelynn Barry, Memorial University

Climate Crisis and Youth Mental Health: Identifying Local and National Impacts and Solutions
Presented by Dr. Sabina Mirza and Michael Brown of the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health

The Coping Well Project: A model for integrating Indigenous data sovereignty in quality improvement initiatives.
Presented by Emily Simmonds, Research Lead, and Maxine Brown, Project Manager at Ganawishkadawe Center for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health at Women’s College Hospital

Intersecting Trends: Indigenous Peoples Aging with HIV Experience Higher Rates of Clinical Frailty at Younger AgesPresented by Nicholas Bauer, University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada; Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN), Toronto, Canada

Anxiety in School and Student Engagement - A Perspective from Whatì, NT Youth [In progress, as part of the Master of Applied Health Services program]
Presented by Onyx Walker, Memorial University