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Misâskwatômina (Saskatoon), Saskatchewan, June 6-8, 2025

The Indigenous Perspectives team at the SFU School of Medicine works to center Indigenous knowledges, experiences, and leadership in health care and our school’s upcoming medical curriculum. Grounded in long-term relationships with Indigenous governments and communities, the team is committed to medical institution and health care transformation in B.C. and Canada that aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, DRIPA, UNDRIP, and In Plain Sight recommendations.

In line with their commitment to fostering Indigenous leadership and supporting healthcare professionals, two key members from this team, Dr. Rebekah Eatmon (Associate Dean, Indigenous Health) and Justin Boehringer (Director, Indigenous Perspectives) recently returned from the annual Mentorship Gathering, a vibrant and inspiring Indigenous health conference. This year's event was held in Saskatoon and was the largest in IPAC's history, welcoming approximately 200 Indigenous healthcare professionals, from seasoned physicians to aspiring medical students, from across the country.

The atmosphere was electric, especially among the students, as the event served as a powerful platform for connection, collaboration and community-building. Attendees reconnected with mentors and colleagues, strengthening the vital bonds that support Indigenous healthcare across Canada.

• The conference kicked off on Friday June 6 with a series of engaging breakout sessions. Justin participated in a fascinating session on Indigenous plants and wellness, exploring the historical use of natural medicines in Indigenous healing practices. Rebekah attended a session on the Canadian Medical Association’s Apology and then attended a lunch with Indigenous Deans from across Canada.
  
• Saturday June 7 offered a unique and memorable experience: a visit to Wanuskewin, an Indigenous-run national historic site just northeast of Saskatoon. Justin and Rebekah witnessed its vital bison breeding and conservation program firsthand, which highlights the profound historical connection between Indigenous peoples and these majestic animals. The day was further enriched by meaningful circle gatherings with local Indigenous elders.

On Sunday June 8, the focus shifted back to the University of Saskatchewan campus for additional IPAC presentations, including a "New Canadian Med School" breakout session where Rebekah delivered an insightful update on the SFU School of Medicine's progress, alongside the teams from other medical schools. Medical student leaders were particularly interested in how SFU SoM is incorporating their recommendations from the TRC Report Card Project.

Outside the formal agenda, Justin also connected with colleagues from the National Indigenous Health Sciences Circle (NIHSC) - a dedicated group of non-physician staff from medical schools across Canada. Their in-person meeting was both productive and energizing, as they collaborated on shared challenges and reinforced their collective commitment to advancing Indigenous health education.

"My biggest takeaway from this event was SFU's immense potential to contribute to this incredible network by bringing our own students in the future," states Justin. "Witnessing the excitement of students connecting with peers and building a supportive community among current and future Indigenous physicians was truly inspiring. It reinforced our vision for the SFU School of Medicine to play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of Indigenous healthcare leaders."