The power of interconnection and Indigenous health research

Grant Bruno is a registered member of Samson Cree Nation, an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta and the academic lead for Indigenous Child Health with the Women and Children’s Health Research Insitute (WCHRI). As one of the few First Nations faculty members in pediatrics across Canada, Bruno walks between two worlds, with a focus on creating a culturally responsive health care model that supports Indigenous children and youth, particularly in the areas of neurodiversity and intellectual disability

With these goals in mind, Bruno proudly founded the Ispimihk Awâsisak Program. Guided by the Nêhîyaw (Plains Cree) concept of Wâhktotowin, emphasizing relationality and interconnectedness, the program focuses on Indigenous health research for children, youth and their families, with their main priorities being:

• Building an Indigenous health research connection hub and community 
• Committing to holistic healing pathways for researchers, staff, trainees and community 
• Nurturing a supportive environment for Indigenous health research 
• Collaboration to overcome barriers 
• Facilitating learning and community engagement through sharing and promoting Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous research 

Their program is guided by the Nêhîyaw (Plains Cree) concept of Wâhktotowin, emphasizing relationality and interconnectedness. 

Priorities include: 

• Community-led research 
  • Engaging with community members and researchers as equal partners. 
• New pediatric clinic 
  • A pediatric clinic in Maskwacîs provides comprehensive health services for children and youth. 
• Indigenous children centered community events 
  • Annual events to connect families and professionals – increasing access to support for Indigenous children. 
• Health promotion and mentorship 
  • Programs to promote health service access, education and mentorship for current and prospective Indigenous health students. 
• Health education 
  • Teaching and promoting Indigenous health at the university and within communities. 

They have many incredible projects on the horizon including a WCHRI advisory circle, special Olympics, Indigenous caregiving collective and ceremonies centered intervention for Indigenous youth – highlighting the need for and importance of Indigenous led research.  

Thanks to our generous donors, we can invest in vital programs like the Ispmihk Awâsisak Program that continues to advocate for and advance Indigenous children’s health care.