IAW 2024: Putting community first

Each year, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) recognizes the achievements of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff, faculty and alumni during Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW). The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS) is proud to celebrate two exceptional graduate students receiving Indigenous Student Achievement Awards this week: Nathan Oakes (Department of Community Health and Epidemiology) and Doris Wesaquate (College of Kinesiology).

Renewed support for Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness at USask

Since 2017, the Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine has carried out extensive and innovative research to improve the health outcomes of Indigenous people in Canada. A new commitment of $1.25 million from the Royal University Hospital Foundation (RUHF) will ensure that work continues for an additional five years.

Scratching That Itch: Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis Targets Atopic Dermatitis

When Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis (MD) returned to the prairies after her dermatology residency in Toronto, she noticed a pattern among many of her pediatric patients. Hundreds of them were coming to her with itchy, raw patches of skin, the result of atopic dermatitis — eczema. 

Meet the College of Medicine’s newest team

The Office of the Vice-Dean Indigenous Health (OVDIH) has been established at the USask College of Medicine, and its team of four are busy moving forward with the creation of a new Department of Indigenous Health and Wellness, and advancing Indigenous health strategies.

Creating programs that make a difference motivates Thunderchild

Harvey Thunderchild’s life path has been a fascinating journey. It has taken him across Canada and into the United States, and most recently has led him to his new position as the cultural coordinator in the Office of the Vice-Dean Indigenous Health and Wellness at the USask College of Medicine.

USask alum named president of Canadian Medical Association

On August 21, 2022, University of Saskatchewan (USask) alum Dr. Alika Lafontaine (MD’06) was named president of the Canadian Medical Association, and is the first Indigenous leader and the youngest person ever to hold the prestigious position.  

Vice-Dean Indigenous Health position created at USask College of Medicine

The College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has hired its first vice-dean Indigenous Health. The position was created to bring Indigenous health and issues more fully to the forefront in college priorities, while also serving to improve how these critical areas are addressed.

Grant funds community-engaged diabetes research

A College of Medicine research team is improving health care for individuals with diabetes in Regina and nearby Indigenous communities, thanks to a Research Connections grant from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.

Indigenous wellness learning at USask supported by CMA and SMA

University of Saskatchewan (USask) fourth-year medical students will be able to take the national award-winning Indigenous wellness online course, The Role of Practitioners in Indigenous Wellness, at no cost with the generous support of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA).

USask researcher and Métis partners collaborate to jig away cardiac woes

SASKATOON – In a first-of-its-kind Canadian study, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Heather Foulds will assess the physical, mental, cultural, and social benefits that result from performing traditional Métis social dances—something she says can narrow the health gap between Métis and non-Indigenous people.

Exploring technology use with Indigenous elderly for health and well-being

University of Saskatchewan (USask) post-doctoral fellow Dr. Cari McIlduff (PhD) has been awarded $45,000 from AGE-WELL and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) to learn which technology and telehealth services older Indigenous people would like to use for support in leading a healthy lifestyle.

USask provides virtual care during pandemic

When an outbreak of COVID-19 caused travel restrictions to be instituted in northern Saskatchewan in May, residents’ access to health care services were limited—especially for expectant mothers.

USask-led Indigenous health research network finds home at Station 20 West

In a significant step for Indigenous health research in Saskatchewan and nationally, a new University of Saskatchewan (USask)-led network dedicated to improving health and wellness in Indigenous communities will be moving into Station 20 West in a core neighborhood of Saskatoon’s west side.

Academic path leads LaFleur around world

Jamie LaFleur’s road to convocation has featured a few stops and starts and twists and turns, but most importantly, a long list of life-changing experiences.

U of S and James Smith Cree Nation explore joint research and health care initiatives

SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) College of Medicine, James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN), and JSCN Medical Clinic LP have signed an MOU to collaborate on initiatives that could include a joint radiology research chair, medical imaging services and research, and educational development opportunities for Indigenous youth.

U of S to host CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health

The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) will soon become the new home of the Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health (IIPH)—one of 13 institutes of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)—under the leadership of the institute’s scientific director, Carrie Bourassa, who is joining the U of S College of Medicine.

U of S to host scholars from New Zealand

A delegation of a dozen Maori scholars and artists from New Zealand will visit the University of Saskatchewan campus later this month as part of an international trip to Canada.

Improving Indigenous health

It’s been a busy first few weeks on the job for Dr. Alexandra King. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Focusing on mental health

Racheal Head is looking into the mental health care needs, and resources, of First Nation's youth

'This is where I can make a difference'

When Dr. Lucy Nickel was completing her medical training at the University of Saskatchewan, she was doing so without the numerous Aboriginal role models a lot of current students have to look up to in the medicine program.