Strengthening Immunization Programs in First Nations Communities

One funded project led by Dr. Thilina Bandara focuses on improving immunization efforts within communities served by the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority.

This research examines the policy and structural systems that support school-based immunization programs, particularly for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is linked to several types of cancer, including the majority of cervical cancer cases worldwide.

By identifying ways to improve vaccine delivery and acceptance, the project contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen public health in First Nations communities and support Indigenous youth health initiatives.

Improving Mental Health Support for Indigenous Students

Another project led by Dr. Shadi Beshai explores how to provide culturally appropriate mental health information for Indigenous students.

The research is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from Indigenous Health Studies and focuses on developing accessible resources that help students understand and navigate mental health services.

The goal is to empower students to seek support while also encouraging community-driven approaches to Indigenous student mental health and culturally safe healthcare.

Expanding Healthcare Technology in Northern Communities

Access to advanced medical imaging technology is often limited in remote and northern regions. A project led by Dr. Gordon Sarty aims to address this gap by exploring the use of compact Owl MRI technology.

The project involves engagement with Indigenous communities to better understand healthcare needs and opportunities for deploying this technology in northern settings.

In addition to improving healthcare access in remote Indigenous communities, the project also aims to create education and career opportunities related to MRI manufacturing, technology development, and entrepreneurship.

Housing, Health, and Community Development

Housing conditions can significantly influence health and well-being. A project led by Dr. Lori Bradford is developing a housing compendium focused on First Nations and Métis housing initiatives in Saskatchewan.

This resource will serve as a practical guide for housing managers, community leaders, and industry partners working on Indigenous housing solutions.

The compendium incorporates insights gathered from community visits and discussions held during the “Building for the Future: Housing and Health Forum,” helping connect housing policy, infrastructure, and Indigenous health outcomes.

Sharing Stories of Recovery and Substance Use

Knowledge sharing is also a central focus of SK-NEIHR funding. A project led by Daniel Hern of Hard Knox Talks is creating podcasts and video content featuring people with lived experience related to substance use.

The platform includes conversations with academics, policy advocates, and frontline workers who are involved in addiction support and recovery initiatives.

By sharing stories and perspectives, the project aims to encourage open dialogue around substance use recovery, community healing, and Indigenous health awareness.

Bringing Advanced Medical Technology to Indigenous Education

A partnership led by Mark Pollard at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is working to integrate compact MRI technology into Indigenous postsecondary education programs.

Students will participate in building MRI components as part of their training, gaining hands-on experience with emerging healthcare technologies.

In the long term, the initiative aims to support Indigenous STEM education, expand technical training opportunities, and improve medical technology access in northern communities.

Strengthening Partnerships for Indigenous Health

The projects supported through SK-NEIHR’s funding programs demonstrate the power of collaboration between researchers, communities, and organizations.

By supporting community-engaged Indigenous health research, these initiatives contribute to:

• Improved healthcare access in Indigenous communities
• Stronger community partnerships in research
• Expanded Indigenous health knowledge translation
• Innovative approaches to health, housing, technology, and education

Through these efforts, SK-NEIHR continues to support meaningful research that prioritizes community voices and helps advance Indigenous health equity in Saskatchewan.