Métis and First Nations people across Saskatchewan are strong leaders in creating positive changes in health care delivery, and in addressing health and social disparities experienced by their communities. Research is central to their efforts. The SK-NEIHR supports First Nations and Métis health research through a number of activities, all developed to address barriers that can prevent Indigenous stakeholders from participating in research. These barriers—including geographic location, lack of staff capacity, and a lack of local and regional infrastructure—and ways to address them were identified through an extensive community consultation process with our partners and advisory councils. For more information on these services, please contact us at skneihr@usask.ca

nātawihowin

Following the protocols of the Cultural Responsiveness Framework, cloth and tobacco were given by Dr. JoLee Sasakamoose and Mr. Martin Bembridge (FSIN) to traditional bundle keeper, Alex Ahenakew, Ahtahkakoop First Nation. Mr. Ahenakew is the second generation of Elders to work with the Cultural Responsiveness Framework and he was a key Knowledge Keeper at FSIN’s traditional wellness gathering in August 2019. Mr. Ahenakew provided the name, nātawihowin for the First Nations network. The translation of the name is “the art of self-healing” or to “seek out healing”, with a deeper meaning for out network of the convergence of western ways with Indigenous ways coming together to support each other’s healing.

mamawiikikayaahk

Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S) represents the province’s Métis citizens and is one of the nātawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk Research, Training and Mentorship Networks' (SK-NEIHR) primary partner. Elder Norm Fleury is Principal Knowledge User on the SK-NEIHR grant. He is a tireless promoter of the Michif language and speaks Michif, Cree, Anishinaabemowin, Dakota, French, and English. During the grant submission process, and in conversation over breakfast with Principal Investigator Dr. Robert Henry, Norm provided the name mamawiikikayaahk for the Métis Network. The translation of which means healing together in Michif and is rooted in health, healing and Métis concepts of reciprocity and how we can give back and heal as a nation.

For a more in-depht view of the SK-NEIHR work from 2020 to 2021, click below to access our annual report:

• 2020-2021 Annual Report

The nātawihowin and mamawiikikiyaahk Research, Training and Mentorship Network team supports community stakeholders and researchers in respectful research relationships. This network has over 100 members from across Saskatchewan. Click below to check out the research team and find the right match for your research or community.

• Research Team

Current evaluations are being collected for website distribution.

The  Communications and Knowledge Translation Committee is made up members from the SK-NEIHR network: Stacey Lovo [director], Patti Tait [Elder], Fleur Macqueen Smith [SK-NEIHR Manager], Andy Greenshaw [U of Alberta], Barb Fornssler [U of Saskatchewan], and Dylan Merrick [nātawihowin-mamwiikikayaahk communications web assistant]). The purpose of the Communications and KT Committee is to provide advice to the SK-NEIHR Executive Director and staff regarding communications strategy, focusing on how to highlight the activities of the nātawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk networks. 

• Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
• Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
• Whitecap Dakota First Nation
• Northern Intertribal Health Authority
• Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
• Office of the Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan
• University of Regina
• University of Saskatchewan
• First Nations University of Canada
• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology
• Gabriel Dumont Institute