Noojimo Mikana (Healing Path): Indigenous-driven health research

Dr. Carrie Bourassa, chair of Northern and Indigenous Health at the Health Sciences North Research Institute in Sudbury and the scientific director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health (IIPH), will bring her extensive knowledge and experience surrounding the state of health in our indigenous communities to this year’s Cumming School of Medicine Symposium.

Dr. Bourassa is Métis, belonging to the Riel Métis Council of Regina #34, and earned both a Master of Arts degree in political science and PhD in social studies from the University of Regina. Prior to taking the chair position in October 2016 and the scientific director position in February 2017, she served her communities as a professor of Indigenous Health Studies at First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) in Regina for over 15 years. Her research has raised significant awareness regarding the impacts of colonization on the health of Indigenous peoples and the necessity of creating culturally competent and safe care in health service delivery.

Dr. Bourassa proudly served as lead primary investigator on two Canada Foundation for Innovation grants, funding both the Indigenous Community-Based Health Research Lab in 2010 (re-named Morningstar Lodge), and more recently in April 2016, the Cultural Safety Evaluation, Training and Research Lab at FNUniv. She is a member of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada and a public member of the Royal College Council of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. In recognition of her remarkable work, Dr. Bourassa won the Wiichihiwayshinawn Foundation Inc. Métis Award in Health and Science in 2012.

Focus on Indigenous peoples’ health during this year’s symposium comes at an important time in the history of Canadian health care. In response to the increasingly acknowledged disparity of Indigenous health standards, the CIHR aims to “strengthen its relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples” through increased development and investment in Indigenous health research. As not only the director of the IIPH, but also an inspiring researcher, mentor and advocate, Dr. Bourassa serves as an important leader in improving the health and wellness of Indigenous peoples in Canada through the activity of CIHR. Her work to "build a healthier future for Indigenous peoples" will undoubtedly improve the welfare of Indigenous communities moving forward.