Growing Roots: Learning, Connection and Opportunity at the 2026 Resident Retreat

As residents gathered for the 2026 Family Medicine Resident Retreat at Dakota Dunes Resort on Whitecap Dakota Nation, Elder Robert Merasty offered a simple invitation: to join their hearts and minds over the next two days to connect with one another and learn.

That invitation captured something at the heart of the retreat — an opportunity to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding of the communities residents serve and discover the possibilities that extend beyond residency.

Each year, residents from around the province come together to participate in the Resident Retreat. The event blends curriculum-based learning with wellness activities and connection.

Deepening our understanding

A new addition to this year's retreat was a dedicated Indigenous Health session, providing residents with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Saskatchewan's Indigenous communities and explore how culturally safe care can strengthen relationships with patients.

Residents heard from Saskatoon alumna, Dr. Elecktra Laxdal (MD) about the history of Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan and how to provide culturally safe care and advocate for their patients.

Dr. Laxdal, a Woodland Cree family physician and member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, has been involved in Indigenous health education, advocacy, mentorship, and resource development. Her experiences growing up in northern Saskatchewan and working within the health-care system have helped to shape the perspectives and teachings she shared.

Her goal is to provide practical, community-informed learning that helps family physicians build stronger relationships with Indigenous patients and provide safer, more responsive care.

Building on this learning opportunity, residents attended a powwow demonstration hosted by the Dakota Dunes staff. The experience concluded with a round dance, where residents joined hands.

Building community through shared experiences

During the retreat, residents also had the opportunity to participate in a number of wellness activities. Some residents participated in cultural programming offered by Dakota Dunes, trying their hand at Indigenous Games, participating in mini-tipi building or exploring the resort’s new cosmic dome or enjoing bannock by the fire.

Others opted to explore the surrounding dunes via e-bike or play a round of golf on the beautiful Dakota Dunes Golf Links.

With residents training across Saskatchewan, these shared experiences offered a chance to step away from the demands of residency, reconnect with colleagues and build relationships beyond their individual training sites.

Discovering opportunities across Saskatchewan

The retreat also provided an opportunity for residents to connect with community partners through a number of initiatives hosted by the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA), the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency (SHRA).

A highlight of the retreat was the annual Family Medicine Resident Career Fair, which brought together representatives from 44 communities and clinics across Saskatchewan to connect with residents and showcase opportunities for future practice. 

For residents, the fair offered an opportunity to explore different practice environments, ask questions and build relationships with potential future colleagues. For participating communities, it was a chance to showcase what makes their communities unique and connect with the next generation of family physicians.

More than an introduction to future employment opportunities, the career fair invited residents to imagine the lives and careers they could build in Saskatchewan — and the communities they might one day call home.

Planting the seeds for what comes next

From learning about culturally safe care to building connections with colleagues and exploring future practice opportunities, the retreat highlighted the experiences and relationships that help shape a resident's journey.

Elder Merasty's opening invitation to connect and learn provided a common thread throughout the two days, reinforcing the value of coming together to share knowledge, experiences and perspectives.

For residents, the retreat was an opportunity to look beyond their training, discover new possibilities and begin putting down roots in Saskatchewan.