About Us

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. 

nātawihowin & mamawiikikayahk networks

mamawiikikayaahk

The Métis network, mamawiikikayaahk (“healing together” in Michif)  is the first Métis-specific health research network in Saskatchewan. Under the leadership of the SK-NEIHR and Métis-Nation Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health, the mamawiikikayaahk network supports researchers, students, and Métis health leaders and communities.

While we were developing this network, Elder Norman Fleury provided Dr. Robert (Bobby Henry) with the name mamawiikikayaahk for the Métis Network, 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. 

nātawihowin

The First Nations network, nātawihowin (“art of self-healing” in Cree) is the only First Nations-specific health research network in Saskatchewan. Under the leadership of the SK-NEIHR and FSIN’s Health and Social Development Commission, the nātawihowin network supports researchers, students, and First Nations health leaders and communities.

When we were developing this Network, following the protocols of the Cultural Responsiveness Framework, Dr. JoLee Sasakamoose and Mr. Martin Bembridge (FSIN) gave cloth and tobacco to traditional bundle keeper, Alex Ahenakew, Ahtahkakoop First Nation, the second generation of Elders to work with the Cultural Responsiveness Framework. Mr. Ahenakew provided the name, nātawihowin for the First Nations network, which means “the art of self-healing” or to “seek out healing” in Cree, with a deeper meaning for our network of the convergence of Western ways with Indigenous ways coming together to support each other’s healing.

Research Leadership Team

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 and beyond. 

The Research Leadership Team is made up of fifteen Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty working in Indigenous health and wellness.  Click below to read about each team member.

Annual Reports

Evaluation is a key part of the Saskatchewan NEIHR, and we work with an external evaluator to gather data on the impact we are having. Information on our activities and their impact is included in our Annual Reports, found below.

Communications and Knowledge Translation Committee

The  Communications and Knowledge Translation Committee is made up members from the SK-NEIHR network: Stacey Lovo (Chair), Patti Tait (Elder), Fleur Macqueen Smith (SK-NEIHR Manager), Cory Baumgardner (Communications and KT Officer), Dylan Merrick (graduate student research assistant), Dr. Andy Greenshaw (U of Alberta), and Dr. Barb Fornssler ( U of Saskatchewan). This committee provides advice to the SK-NEIHR Manager and staff regarding communications strategy, focusing on how to highlight the activities of the nātawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk networks. 

Our Primary Partners

intergenerational picture
The SK-NEIHR is proud to celebrate the relationships we have with our community partners and we thank them for their generosity, support, and collaborative efforts. Our partners include:

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan: Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN–S) is the recognized government of the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan and represents the political, socioeconomic, cultural and educational interests of the province’s Métis.
Whitecap Dakota First Nation: Located 26 kilometres south of Saskatoon, the Whitecap Dakota Nation (WDN) is a modern and innovative  nation, rooted in a proud culture and a strong sense of community.
Northern Intertribal Health Authority: Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) is the only First Nations Organization of its kind in the country. NITHA is comprised of the Prince Albert Grand Council, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and Lac La Ronge Indian Band and each has extensive experience in health service delivery.
Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan: We are Urban Indigenous. Helping people through friendship, cultural awareness, integrity, and sharing.
Office of the Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan: The OTC works to make sure the people of Saskatchewan have a good understanding of treaties, the treaty relationship and reconciliation, through the education system, livelihood training, offering a speakers bureau, holding events and sharing the stories of people’s call to action.
University of Regina: A welcoming campus, a diverse and inclusive learning environment, exceptional academic programs, and high-impact research.
University of Saskatchewan: USask is a world leader in water and food security, vaccine development and infectious diseases, and human, animal and environmental health.
First Nations University of Canada: As a federated college of the University of Regina, FNUniv offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, humanities, social sciences, and sciences—many incorporating Indigenous worldviews, traditions, and languages.
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology: In 1976, SIIT was established by First Nation leaders to carry out the vision and needs of our communities and citizens. That vision remains strong and dedicated.
Gabriel Dumont Institute: GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province.