Learning Objectives:

1) Discuss with colleagues that the basis of racism in the health care system is rooted in Colonial violence.

2) Identify what the ayisiyiniw ("Indigenous") medical system is and how to uplift and elevate it as the original medical system of Turtle Island as an act of treaty recognition, allyship, and reconciliation.

3) Discuss how allies are integral to addressing and reversing medical racism and creating solutions meaningful to Indigenous Nations by providing concrete examples of interventions.

Dr. James Makokis

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Dr. James Makokis

Dr. James Makokis is a Nehiyô two-spirit physician from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Treaty Number Six Territory where he was born and raised. He has spent the last 12 years working in Indigenous Nations working to elevate the Nehiyô health system by privileging Nehiyô maskihkiya (Cree medicines), Nehiyô mamitoneyitamowin (Cree thought) and kitehayahk (Elders) alongside Western Medicine. He appeared as one half of Team Ahkameyimok on the Amazing Race Canada, Season 7 with his husband Anthony Johnson and won.

Anthony Johnson

Learning Objectives:

1) Identify tastawiyiniwak and two-spirit people from a Nehiyô (Plains Cree) perspective.

2) Describe how colonial violence impacted the health and well being of two-spirit people including the over representation in suicide for two-spirit trans peoples.

3) Create safe ceremonial spaces through sharing about the creation of a two-spirit rites of passage ceremony.

Dr. James Makokis

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Dr. James Makokis

Dr. James Makokis is a Nehiyô two-spirit physician from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Treaty Number Six Territory where he was born and raised. He has spent the last 12 years working in Indigenous Nations working to elevate the Nehiyô health system by privileging Nehiyô maskihkiya (Cree medicines), Nehiyô mamitoneyitamowin (Cree thought) and kitehayahk (Elders) alongside Western Medicine. He appeared as one half of Team Ahkameyimok on the Amazing Race Canada, Season 7 with his husband Anthony Johnson and won.

Learning Objectives:

1) Understand that ontological difference are based on context.

2) Appreciate the diversity of First Nation peoples.

3) Begin to engage in reflexive practice.

Dr. Noella Steinhauer

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Dr. Noella Steinhauer

Noella has been in the field of education for 35 years with the last eight in the Academy. Her work has continued to focus on community and plains Cree language and ways of being in the leadership context.

Learning Objectives:

1)  Recognize the importance of connection to land for Indigenous people.

2)  Identify the positive health outcomes of land based detox treatment.

3)  Discuss patient experiences with this treatment modality.

Doug Davey

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Doug Davey

Wahchiya Misiway, My name is Doug Davey from Moose Cree First Nation, I am Land Based Program Coordinator for Mushkegowuk OMA Land Based Detox Healing program. The 7-day detox program is a trauma informed healing program geared for Mushkegowuk members in the James Bay region. The program provides a holistic approach to healing and recovery, also dealing with core issues and intergenerational trauma. My position here will be to assist in coordination of service delivery with the detox team, collaborate with service providers, assist in aftercare planning, coordinate cultural supports for participants and provide oversight for the Land based program. A lot of my experience and training was first introduced through the friendship centre movement, by going to men’s sharing circles to maintain my sobriety and recovery at a young age of 18. I attended Canadore college from year 2000-2003, where I completed my dual diploma program in the addictions and social service worker program. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various roles at the grass roots level over the years. As of August 1st 2024, I have just completed my Indigenous Complex Trauma Trainee & Proficiency in Focusing Partnship training, Level 2 Train-the-Trainers. I follow a traditional lifestyle with my family by honoring my Grandparents by building and maintaining my spirituality with the Land and the wildlife. Meegwetch!

Kyle Martin

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Kyle Martin

My Name is Kyle Martin and my spirit name is travelling man and I’m from the eagle clan. I’m a Moose Cree First Nation from Timmins Ontario, currently living in Cochrane Ontario.

Learning Objectives:

1) Recognize the resiliency of Indigenous people and consider these strengths in the design of treatment plans.

2) Identify strategies that will contribute to healing from intergenerational trauma from colonization.

Norm Leech

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Norm Leech

I am currently the Executive Director of the Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House in Vancouver. I previously managed the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre where we served the 70,000 Indigenous people living in the Vancouver area who have mostly been dislocated from their original territories. My specialty these days seems to be helping people understand the many harms resulting from the continuous waves of colonization that have been sweeping across the globe for thousands of years and sharing the healing tools and strategies that have been developed and delivered in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.

Learning Objectives:

1) Recognize the Impact of Traditional Anishinaabe Plant Medicine: Participants will gain insights into the significant success stories and the profound impact of various Anishinaabe plant medicines in managing, treating, and reversing chronic diseases, supported by big data evidence.

2) Identify Key Plant Species and Their Mechanisms of Action: Participants will learn about the most effective plant species used in traditional Anishinaabe medicine, their chemical mechanisms of action, and how these mechanisms directly influence disease pathophysiology.

3) Evaluate Safety and Efficacy: Participants will understand the extensive safety data curated over years of practice, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of traditional Anishinaabe plant medicines in clinical settings.

4) Navigate CPSO Guidelines on Alternative Care: Participants will become familiar with the CPSO guidelines regarding evidence-based medicine and alternative care, learning how to responsibly incorporate traditional Anishinaabe plant medicines into their practice by understanding the flexibility within the guidelines.

5) Develop Skills to Advocate for Traditional Medicine: Through workshops and anecdotal evidence, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate for the use of traditional Anishinaabe plant medicines within Indigenous communities, understanding their role in promoting culturally appropriate and effective healthcare solutions.

Joseph Pitawanakwat

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Joseph Pitawanakwat

Joseph is Ojibway from Wiikwemkoong, married with one daughter. The Founder & Director of Creators Garden, an Indigenous outdoor, and now online, education based business, focused on plant identification, beyond-sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological and medicinal significance through experiences.

Learning Objectives:

1) Describe how the colonized Western lifestyle can promote chronic diseases and cause serious disruptions in specific areas of the brain and body.

2) Identify how Indigenous contemplative practices can change and heal different key structures and functions of the brain and body.

3) Develop practices that can be incorporated into everyday life and in professional work.

Dr. Michael Yellow Bird

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Dr. Michael Yellow Bird

Michael Yellow Bird, CMT, MSW, PhD, is Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba. Dr. Yellow Bird is a member of the International Mindfulness Teachers Association and is a certified mindfulness teacher, professional, and has been practicing mindfulness meditation and Indigenous contemplative practices for more than 47 years. He is a member of the MHA Nation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara) in North Dakota. He has held faculty appointments at the University of British Columbia, Kansas, Arizona State, Cal Poly Humboldt, and North Dakota State University. His research focuses on the effects of colonization and methods of decolonization, healthy Indigenous aging, Indigenous mindfulness and neurodecolonization, Arikara ethnobotany and traditional agriculture, and the cultural significance of Rez dogs.

Learning Objectives:

1) Recognize the Impact of Traditional Anishinaabe Plant Medicine: Participants will gain insights into the significant success stories and the profound impact of various Anishinaabe plant medicines in managing, treating, and reversing chronic diseases, supported by big data evidence.

2) Identify Key Plant Species and Their Mechanisms of Action: Participants will learn about the most effective plant species used in traditional Anishinaabe medicine, their chemical mechanisms of action, and how these mechanisms directly influence disease pathophysiology.

3) Evaluate Safety and Efficacy: Participants will understand the extensive safety data curated over years of practice, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of traditional Anishinaabe plant medicines in clinical settings.

4) Navigate CPSO Guidelines on Alternative Care: Participants will become familiar with the CPSO guidelines regarding evidence-based medicine and alternative care, learning how to responsibly incorporate traditional Anishinaabe plant medicines into their practice by understanding the flexibility within the guidelines.

5) Develop Skills to Advocate for Traditional Medicine: Through workshops and anecdotal evidence, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate for the use of traditional Anishinaabe plant medicines within Indigenous communities, understanding their role in promoting culturally appropriate and effective healthcare solutions.

Joseph Pitawanakwat

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Joseph Pitawanakwat

Joseph is Ojibway from Wiikwemkoong, married with one daughter. The Founder & Director of Creators Garden, an Indigenous outdoor, and now online, education based business, focused on plant identification, beyond-sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological and medicinal significance through experiences.

Learning Objectives:

1) Identify the strategies used by the Northern Ontario Medical School to create conditions for health care students to reach a new level of understanding of culture and its relationship to health from a patient perspective. 

2) Adopt/adapt relevant strategies into own organization/systems/practice.

Dr. Lorrilee McGregor

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Dr. Lorrilee McGregor

Dr. Lorrilee McGregor is an Anishinaabe from Whitefish River First Nation. She is an Associate Professor at NOSM University where she teaches about Indigenous peoples’ health. She works with First Nation communities in northern Ontario on health and environmental projects. For the past 22 years, Lorrilee has served as the Chair of the Manitoulin Anishinaabek Research Review Committee, a community-based Research Ethics Board that has reviewed over 100 research ethics applications.

Dr. Marion Maar

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Dr. Marion Maar

Dr. Marion Maar is founding faculty and Professor at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and Curriculum Chair for Northern and Rural Health. She has over two decades of experience in the area of health and mental health research and has supervised more than 40 graduate and medical students on research projects in collaboration with First Nations. Since the inception of NOSM in 2005, Marion has co-led innovative community-engaged learning in collaboration with northern Indigenous communities and organizations. Co-development of Indigenous cultural immersion curriculum and qualitative and quantitative evaluation of this curriculum has been an important area of her research which has lead to the development of the NOSM CAST (Cultural Competence and Safety Tool). Marion is also the recipient of the 2011 Cancer Quality Council of Ontario’s Innovation Award for her work with First Nations on cancer prevention and screening. In 2016, she was honored with NOSM’s Scholar of the Year Award. Prior to her work at NOSM, Marion worked for eight years at the community level at Noojmowin Teg Health Centre on Manitoulin Island.

Learning Objectives:

1) Describe how data can inform system planning to do more than react to negative experiences but prevent them from happening by assessing patterns and trends within healthcare and acting proactively.  

2) Amplify the power of the individual's voice through the connection of experiences and producing patterns that can be analyzed and understood by healthcare institutions and those who can influence change within the system.  

3) Discuss with colleagues how two physicians created this platform to address systemic racism.

Dr. Alika Lafontaine

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Dr. Alika Lafontaine

Dr. Alika Lafontaine is an award-winning physician, social innovator, and the first Indigenous doctor recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Most Powerful Doctors by the Medical Post. With Metis, Oji-Cree, and Tongan roots, he has held leadership roles in Canadian healthcare for two decades. From 2013-2018, Dr. Lafontaine co-led the Indigenous Health Alliance, a landmark project that secured over $68 million for health transformation across its members traditional territories. In 2020, he founded Safespace Networks with his brother Kamea, an anonymous platform for reporting racism and healthcare harm, now active in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. In 2022, he became the first Indigenous and youngest president of the Canadian Medical Association, advocating for the largest federal healthcare investment since 2004 and addressing critical issues like pan-Canadian licensure and health data sharing. Dr. Lafontaine is a recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, Maclean’s Top Health Care Innovator, and the Indspire Award. He continues to speak and write on healthcare politics, equity, system redesign, and advocacy.

Dakota Recollet

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Dakota Recollet

Dakota Recollet is the Indigenous Cultural Safety Director at the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council where she supports training for individuals working in the healthcare system to learn the importance of adopting culturally safe and appropriate practices to ensure the best quality of care for Indigenous people.

Learning Objectives:

1) Improve patient experiences through an increased understanding of the prevalence of systemic racism, the impact of personal biases and the power of active listening.

Ted Nolan

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Ted Nolan

Ted Nolan was born into a large family on the Garden River First Nation in northern Ontario in 1958. The 3rd youngest of twelve children, in a house lacking electricity and plumbing. Ted learned resilience from his parents Stan and Rose. From his mother, he received pride in his heritage and that helped him become the strong man that he is today. He also learned to follow his dreams, no matter how big or small. Today, Ted believes that pride, strength and a willingness to dream are the cornerstones of success. Ted grew up playing minor hockey in Sault Ste. Marie and left home at the age of 16 to play junior hockey in Kenora, Ontario. The following year he played for his hometown SSM Greyhounds of the OHL and in 1978 was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. He also went on to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins and after a serious back injury was forced to retire at the age of 26. Ted began his coaching with the Greyhounds that helped launched his coaching career. He took his team to 3 straight Memorial Cup appearances, eventually winning the Memorial Cup Championship in 1993. In 1994, Ted moved on to the professional ranks as an assistant coach with the Hartford Whalers and in 1995 was named the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. The following season Ted took his team to a 1st first place finish in the Northeast Division and was named NHL Coach of the Year. Ted would also go on to coach the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL and lead them to the league championship in 2007. He returned to the NHL to coach the New York Islanders and in 2014 he lead the Lativan Men’s National Ice Hockey Team to the 2014 Sochi Olympics and losing to Team Canada in the quarterfinals. Ted started the Ted Nolan Foundation to honour his late mother Rose, with the help of some dear friends in 2004. He subsequently established the Rose Nolan Memorial Scholarship. The Foundation raised nearly 2 million dollars and awarded scholarships to over 130 First Nation woman across Canada. Since that time the Foundation has transitioned with remaining funds transferred to a number of colleges, training institutes and universities. They continue to grant Rose Nolan Scholarships for years to come. Over the years, Ted has received honorary degrees from Laurentian University, Cape Breton University, Algoma University and most recently St. Thomas University. Ted is currently employed by the Chiefs of Ontario, as political advisor to Regional Chief Glen Hare. He is also the co-founder and president of 3Nolans. Together with his sons, Brandon and Jordan, 3|Nolans are active operating hockey schools in First Nation communities. Ted is also a coveted speaker, sharing his story with Indigenous communities, corporate Canada and other organizations. Ted’s book “Life in Two Worlds” was published in Oct 2023 and is a Canadian Best Seller. In his memoir, Ted chronicles his journey from Garden River First Nation to the highest ranks of professional hockey. Today, Ted and Sandra have been married over 43 years and have been blessed with five grandchildren.

Learning Objectives:

1) Describe the Nehiya midwifery system, medicines, and ceremonial revitalization as it relates to the Kehewin Midwifery Birthing Project National Demonstration site.

2) Identify components of the community development work required to revitalize Nehiya birthing practices including education, Elder engagement, and political support.

3) Anticipate the facilitators and barriers to uplifting the Nehiya birthing system, and incorporate practical strategies to work with allies, and utilize the media to share and educate.

Anthony Johnson

Learning Objectives:

1)  Discuss with colleagues the testimony of a residential school survivor.

2)  Identify how experiences in residential school impacted trust in care.

3)  Design practical strategies to build rapport with patients to optimize their care.

Angela Ashishkeesh

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Angela Ashishkeesh

Angela was born and raised in Attawapiskat, she attended St Anne’s Residential School as a child for 10 years, later on she would attend university at Laurentian U and completed her studies in religion, sociology and first nations history and language. She has given birth to 3 children her eldest Ron, Marina and the youngest Verna, she has 9 grandchildren as well as 5 great grandchildren. In 1978 she moved from Attawapiskat without any band council assistance to the City of Timmins, since then the preservation of her Cree language has always been her passion and she has worked with the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre focusing on simultaneous language translation, written document translations and courtroom interpretations. In her years Angela has danced at powwows in the Women’s Traditional style, she also sat in on the founding board for the Misiway Health Centre in Timmins ON. Angela has been able to give great advice and general assistance over the years to those who ask and were in need. In her spare time, Angela can be found spending her free time at indigenous ceremonies, on the round dance trail and the powwow trail. During the work week Angela continues her position at the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre as the Language Coordinator.

Learning Objectives:

1) Describe how colonization has impacted Indigenous people.

2) Transfer knowledge into practice to better support Indigenous patients.

3) Identify when and where to find additional supports for Indigenous patients.

Ashley Morrison

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Ashley Morrison

Ashley Morrison is the Project and Program Coordinator at the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council where she supports delivery of ICS programs and training and works with external organizations to develop and provide culturally appropriate trauma supports for Indigenous communities.

Learning Objectives:

1) Identify Anishinaabe food systems.

2) Identify Anishinaabe waterways.

3) Collaborate with Indigenous people, recognizing the importance of relationships, reciprocity, and responsibilities.

Quinn Meawasige

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Quinn Meawasige

Quinn is Anishinaabe from Serpent River First Nation. He is an active harvester, hunter, fisherman, berry picker, and forager. Quinn works for Gaagige Zaagibigaa, an Indigenous led, grassroots organization supporting Indigenous food self-determination in Northern Ontario. He is also a founding member of the Nimkii Youth Collective, as grassroots Anishinaabe language and cultural revitalization initiative and The Waterways Collective, a grassroots collective geared to creating opportunities to bring Indigenous peoples back onto their ancestral homelands and homewaters.

Learning Objectives:

1) List traditional interventions.

2) Apply these interventions into own practice.

3) Discuss possible positive health outcomes that result from traditional wellness practices.

Mandy Mack

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Mandy Mack

Mandy Mack is the Traditional Healing and Wellness Advisor with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council where she supports and advocates for the important work of ensuring that Traditional Healing is an integral part of primary care for Indigenous Primary Health Care Organizations. Mandy is a member of the Attawapiskat (Āhtawāpiskatowi ininiwak) Frist Nation, she has lived and worked in Toronto, for over two decades. Mandy and her husband, have proudly raised their family of six children. Family and being of service to community, is where Mandy happily dedicates much of her time.

Learning Objectives:

1) Explain the impact of colonization as a social determinant of health and the ways in which it continues to influence healthcare outcomes.

2) Examine the concept of whiteness and its influence on health outcomes.

3) Review actions taken in the BC health system to consistently address and confront white supremacy and advance the rights and health of Indigenous Peoples.

Jorden Hendry

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Jorden Hendry

Jorden Hendry (she/her) is Tsimshian/settler and a member of the Lax Kw’alaams band. Her work is dedicated to promoting the rights and health of Indigenous Peoples by actively working to dismantle Indigenous-specific racism and white supremacy within public health. Jorden holds a BSc and MPH from the University of British Columbia (UBC). She has continued her studies at UBC where she is completing a PhD that examines health system transformation, focusing on colonial structures and their role in perpetuating racism and health inequities. Jorden works as a research assistant for the Unlearning and Undoing Indigenous-specific Racism and White Supremacy Project. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to incorporating anti-racism and Indigenous ways of knowing into multiple levels of governance in the education and health systems.

Learning Objectives:

1) Describe the importance and origins of traditional medicine.

2) Increase therapeutic rapport with indigenous patients through shared knowledge of how to make a salve using traditional medicines.

Alyssa Paul

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Alyssa Paul

Aaniin/Kwe kwe, Alyssa n’dizhnikaaz, migizi dodem, mko-minising n’donjibaa, North Bay Ontario endaayaan, Giiwedno Mshkikiwagamig ndoo-nokii. My name is Alyssa Paul. I am Anishinaabe from Temagami First Nation located on Bear Island, Ontario. I was raised in my home community and I have a strong connection to Lake Temagami and N’Daki Menan, my homeland. I’ve had the privilege to learn and grow up going to ceremonies and it has greatly shaped who I am today and the mother I am today. I currently work at the North Bay Indigenous Hub as a Cultural Practitioner. My western education experiences include nursing & business, but I realize that the best way I can help and guide our Indigenous people is to share and help them learn more about our traditional way of life and the importance of ceremony & language. I welcome any opportunity to learn and grow in this life, and cherish the ones who’ve helped me get to where I am today.

Carol Twance

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Carol Twance

We-na-boozhoo, Aaniin, Hello, Niin Asin-nee- Qwe , a Omakakii Doodem. Nishnaabe Qwe in dow. I am originally from the traditional territory of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. My Christian/English name is Carol Twance. I have lived and worked in the community of Biigtigong for many years as a family support worker, student support worker, counsellor, senior counselor and a few other important jobs. I have lived on and off the reserve for many years. I am so very grateful to have the opportunity to work as Cultural Practitioner for the North Bay Indigenous Hub. This is such an important time in our life on turtle island. We are being sought for direction and guidance. I am grateful for all the people I have had the opportunity to meet because of how they have influenced my life. I spent some years in Western Education where I completed the Native Alcohol and Drug Prevention worker program, the Child and Family Services Program and attend University to work towards my BA in Psychology. To me, my real education started as I sat with local knowledge keepers, elders, grandparents and parents. My parents were survivors of residential school although it was very difficult for them, they were strong healthy parents who gave me that best understanding of connection, relationship with Creator and living a life of kindness and practicing the 7 teachings of our relations. I have attended many ceremonies and traditional gatherings, I’ve spent a lot of time with elders and spiritual people to learn as much as I could about our way of life. I am so grateful and humble.

Learning Objectives:

1) Define Substance Use Disorder.

2) Describe the Emergent Need for Treatment Substance Use Disorder.

3) Assess Different Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorder.

Dr. Louisa Marion-Bellemare

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Dr. Louisa Marion-Bellemare

Dr. Louisa Marion-Bellemare graduated from and completed her residency at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. She works at the Timmins and District Hospital in the Paediatric Mental Health Department and as the co-lead for the addiction medicine program which includes the Acute Withdrawal Medical Unit, addiction medicine consult service and the community withdrawal management service. She also works in the addiction clinics in communities along the James Bay Coast. Dr Marion-Bellemare can also be found working at the Indigenous Health Care Centre and in provincial corrections. She is the Addictions lead for Ontario Health North East District. She is actively involved in her community by promoting barrier free access to addiction treatment with the ultimate goal to save lives and improve quality of life.

Learning Objectives:

1) Communicate the importance of providing culturally appropriate and respectful health care to Indigenous peoples.

2) Identify strategies to adopt a wholistic approach to helping patients with physical wellness.

3) Describe the benefits of using a wholistic approach.

Kieran Peltier

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Kieran Peltier

Aanii. Anishinaabe inini ndow - Ojibway. Ndoo Anishinaabe noozwin – Waabshki M’koonhs, Kieran Peltier n’diizhnikaas. Nsimdina ndonsuboonigis. Waawaashkesh ndodem. Wiikwemkoong ndoonjibaa; North Bay ndoonda. Giiwedno Mshkikiiwgamig ndoo nokii - mno bimaadisiwin bemiikang. Hello. I am an Anishinaabe [Ojibway] male. My Anishinaabe name is Little White Bear. My english name is Kieran Peltier. I am 30 years old. I am part of the deer clan. I am from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, but I live in North Bay. I work at North Bay Indigenous Hub as a physical wellness practitioner.

Learning Objectives:

1) Create an understanding of the past and the trauma experienced by Indigenous people; recognizing the loss of tradition and lack of awareness of the true effects of colonization in the way that care is provided in the current medical system. 

2) Identify strategies to reintegrate those lost or unrecognized values, traditions and priorities as determinants of health, as well as ensuring a trauma informed approach to care in today's medical systems for Indigenous people.

Monica Cote Macson

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Monica Cote Macson

Monica Cote Macson is the Team lead for the Indigenous Cultural Safety Team at the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council where she supports the development of ICS training and works with external organizations to build capacity for fostering cultural safety within health services.

Learning Objectives:

1) Recognize the importance of water in Indigenous culture, including how we think about it and how we treat it.

2) Identify practical advocacy strategies to protect and preserve water systems.

Autumn Peltier

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Autumn Peltier

Autumn Peltier is an Indigenous Rights & Water activist whose journey for justice has made waves around the globe. She is 19 years old. Peltier captivated the world's attention at the age of 12 when she admonished Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, at an Assembly of First Nations event, for the choices he had made for her people. At 13, Peltier first spoke at the United Nations General Assembly. Amongst many accolade’s she's received the Sovereign Medal of Exceptional Volunteerism from the Governor-General of Canada and Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Invited back in 2018 & 2019, she spoke at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York and continues to travel the international stage speaking about Indigenous rights, inclusion, representation and collaboration all while inspiring the next generation. She's been a featured speaker at The World Economic Forum sharing the stage with Greta Thundberg, is a regular guest speaker at The United Nations, has been shortlisted for the International Children's Peace Prize 3 times and in 2022 was runner-up for International Children’s Peace Prize with the Nobel Peace Prize committee. Further; in 2022 The Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa Canada built an Autumn Peltier showcase display highlighting her ribbon skirts worn at the United Nations as well as her work and contributions as part of Canada’s history. She has been featured on the front cover of Maclean’s and included in Maclean's Top 50 Canadian Power List. In 2022; Peltier was an Honorary Doctorate Inductee from Royal Roads University, received the Daniel G Hill Award from Ontario Human Rights Commission as well as the Emerging Canadian Leader Award from Public Policy Forum. Autumn’s movie “The Water Walker” documentary was released on HBO Canada and has been available across many of Canada’s school boards. In 2023; Autumn was the first Indigenous person to be featured on a Hershey chocolate bar campaign across Canada celebrating prominent and impactful women leaders across Canada. Also in 2023; Autumn began her first novel partnership to be released in 28 countries with Penguin Random House…and closing out the year of ’23 Autumn was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame with the Community Hero Award.

Learning Objectives:

1) Identify practical and concrete approaches to implement cultural safety into your practice. 

2) Reviewing health outcomes and impacts of culturally safe care.

3) Discuss with colleagues what it means to be a good ally.

Dr. Bridget McDonald

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Dr. Bridget McDonald

Bridget is a non Indigenous family doctor working in North Bay, Ontario. She completed her medical school training at the University of Ottawa which included rotations with urban and rural Indigenous health organizations in Ottawa, Quebec and Nunavut. She went on to complete her family medicine residency training through the Northern Ontario School of Medicine including several months in Moose Factory and Sioux Lookout. Bridget now does hospitalist work at the North Bay Regional Health Centre and works as a family physician at the North Bay Indigenous Hub.

Learning Objectives:

1) Champion the voice of lived experience and support the use of particpatory photography as a therapeutic communication strategy.

2) Identify the positive outcomes of the Photovoice groups facilitated by the North Bay Indigenous Hub.

Sarah Goodreau

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Sarah Goodreau

Kwe kwe, My name is Sarah Goodreau, I grew up in North Bay ON and am a proud member of Temagami First Nation. My spirit name is Red Feather Woman and I am from the Crane Clan. In 2012, I graduated from Conestoga College with a diploma in Practical Nursing, marking the start of a fulfilling career dedicated to health and wellness. My journey began working in LTC, Retirement, then as a Supervisor with Red Cross CarePartners. Since then, I have had the privilege of working as a Health Promotion Nurse at the North Bay Indigenous Hub. My role focuses on preventative care and smoking cessation, where I strive to integrate both western and traditional approaches to wellness. I am fortunate to be part of an organization that values this holistic perspective, allowing me to offer culturally sensitive care that respects and honors my community’s traditions. One of the most meaningful milestones in my career came in 2023 when I was honored with the Nursing Now Award. This recognition, nominated by a fellow colleague and friend, was a testament to the impact of my work and the respect I have earned from my peers. It was an affirmation of the dedication I bring to my role every day. In addition to my professional responsibilities, I am involved with the Indigenous Wellness Committee at the Public Health Unit. This role allows me to contribute to broader public health initiatives and advocate for the well-being of our community on a larger scale. Balancing my career with family life is both challenging and rewarding. I am married and a mother of three wonderful children, whose activities—whether its dance, hockey, or other interests—keep me busy and fulfilled. My time away from work is often spent driving my kids to their various activities and enjoying quality moments with my family. When I find time for myself, I love to immerse myself in nature through camping and to spend time with friends and family. These moments of relaxation and connection are essential to my well-being and help me recharge for the challenges and joys of both my personal and professional life. My journey has been shaped by my family, my profession, and my community. Each step has contributed to the person I am today, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have come my way. As I continue on this path, I remain committed to making a positive impact in my field and in the lives of those around me. Miigwech, Sarah Goodreau

Joanne Morrison

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Joanne Morrison

Joanne is a member of Kebaowek Frist Nation and has lived in North Bay most of her life. She is a dedicated social worker with the North Bay Indigenous Hub registered as a Social Service Worker with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Joanne takes great pride in working in community health and wellness within the Indigenous population. Holding a B.A in Psychology from Nipissing University, Certificate from Clinical Traumatologist- Trauma Institute of Toronto, and Diploma in Social Services (Native Program) - Canadore College. Joanne has 23 years experience working directly with First Nations communities and Agency’s across Northern Ontario. Joanne is deeply committed to blending western methods and our Cultural teachings to foster resilience, trauma informed care to establish strong self-identities and self-confidence to empower our Indigenous people/families/communities.