2026

graphic for The 2026 Indigenous Health Research Symposium

Pjila’si, Atelihai, Tunngasugit, Tshima minu-takushiniekᵘ, Bienvenue, Welcome

The 2026 Indigenous Health Research Symposium begins at 9 AM NDT on March 23rd. We invite you to join us in person at Memorial University's Faculty of Medicine, in the Frank and Eileen Gronich Lecture Theatre (1M102).

For those who wish to participate virtually, please email socialaccountability@mun.ca  to request remote access.

2026 IHRS PROGRAM

2026 IHRS AGENDA 

Time (NDT)

Session

Speaker(s)

8:30-9:00 AM

Morning refreshments

9:00-9:40 AM

Welcoming and housekeeping

Edward Allen

Ancestor’s song

Ashley Dicker

Honour song and opening prayer

Jenelle Duval

Message from the Dean

Dr. Stuart Carney

9:40 AM-12:25 PM

Finding the Evidence Together: Co-Developing Inuit Health Research in Nunatsiavut

Chelsea Abbott and Loriann Lyall

Berry Picking as Ethical Practice: A Living Relational Framework for Indigenous Re-search

Alison Elsner

From Criminalization to Medicalization of Opioid Use: Indigenous Opioid Users’ Stories

Dr. Shahina Parvin

A Comprehensive Appraisal of the Applications of Two-Eyed Seeing in Health Services Research: An Integrative Review

Aaron Prosper

Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Indigenous Women in Canadian Cities: An Environmental Scan

Tina Liu and

Dr. Mikaela Gabriel

Bridging Community: Power of Metis Women’s Traditional Teachings and the Power of Gathering in Post- Secondary

Stephanie Brown

12:25 PM

Inuit throat singing with Ashley and Makaela

Ashley Dicker and Makaela Blake

12:45-3:00 PM

The Role of Community in Supporting the Mental Health of Two-Spirit Peoples: An Environmental Scan

Dr. Mikaela Gabriel and Meagan Muscat

Addressing Systemic Racism: Developing an Indigenous Traditional Food Knowledge Tool for Culturally Safe Healthcare

Sina Sarviha

Traditional Indigenous Foods in Canada: What Public and Grey Literature Reveal

Juliana Meneghetti and Camryn Desjarlais

First Nations Mental Wellness Workforce and Models of Education: A Realist Review-Informed Approach

Ryan Chan, Jersee Hill, and Dr. Emily Kirk

Meeting the Needs of Indigenous Peoples and Programs: Paving the Path for Indigenous Evaluation

Cassie Stefanski

3:00–4:40 PM

Nunatsiavut Inuit children and youth in out-of-home care

Aimée Campeau, Darlene Jacque, and Lindsay Crompton

Building an urban Indigenous-owned community pharmacy

Sunu Kim, Dr. Larry Leung, and Dr. Jason Min

Community Grounded Indigenous Health Research: The WATERR Lab and Mi’kmaw Storytelling Approaches to Breast Health in Ktaqmkuk

Dr. Erica (Samms) Hurley, Kaitlin Rizarri, and Sabrina Lamanna

Bridges and barriers: Exploring healthcare access and services for Indigenous Peoples

Dr. Mikaela Gabriel and Emma Hedderson

4:40-5:00 PM

Symposium closing

Edward Allen

Closing ceremony

Jenelle Duval