Aaniin Boozhoo, Tan’si, Greetings from IPAC,

 

As the days are getting longer I am enjoying seeing more sunlight.  We have been having an exceptionally warm winter here in Winnipeg and less snow then normal. Although I have been enjoying the warmer winter and not having to shovel as often I think about the impacts this will have on the health of our land. The theme of this newsletter is planetary Health.  First Nations, Metis and Inuit people have a unique and inherent relationship with the land. This relationship is founded on responsibility, respect, love and spiritual connection. The impact of environmental change has been felt throughout our territories and has impacted our traditional foods, our waterways and our spiritual connection and practices.  This has had ramifications to our health and has disproportionately impacted Indigenous individuals, families and communities.  

 

In this newsletter you'll be learning about IPAC's response to Bill S-5, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act. This bill is an amendment to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) to recognize that every individual in Canada has the right to a healthy environment. We want to ensure that your voices are heard and hope that you can participate in a way that works for you. 

This year’s IPAC AGM will be on July 12-14, 2023 and will occur in Halifax (Kjipuktuk), Nova Scotia, that is located in Mi’kma’ki the ancestral and traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq people.  Our theme for this year’s AGM is “Our Stories, Our Medicine. I am looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing our stories together of how we heal as Indigenous people while building our relationships among our membership. If you are planning to attend please make sure your membership is up to date and you are registered.  

Dr. Mandy Buss, IPAC President

On June 13, 2023, Bill S-5, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act became law. This bill is an amendment to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) to, among other things, recognize that every individual in Canada has the right to a healthy environment. 

The federal government has two years to create an implementation framework in consultation with Indigenous Peoples. IPAC is coordinating three projects with the goal of collecting as many voices as possible. These projects are funded by a grant from Environment and Climate Change Canada & Health Canada.

You will receive an invitation to complete the IPAC Bill S-5 Member Survey March 4. This survey is being created by one of our Indigenous student members, with the goal of ensuring that all IPAC members have the opportunity to give their input.

April 12 we will be gathering with seven Elders from coast to coast to coast on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

IPAC is hosting two virtual roundtables April 24 and 25 - all IPAC members are welcome and encouraged to attend. A $50 dinner gift card will be provided to all attendees. Registration is required. 

We are excited to host you at Dalhousie University July 11-14, 2024! Our staff are working hard behind the scenes to deliver an event steeped in culture and connection. Our theme for 2024 is 'Our Stories. Our Medicine'. Thank you to everyone who completed a feedback form - your input helps us create the type of gathering that our members value.

Registration is open! Early bird pricing is in effect until March 29. The hotel block is also open for reservations. Event Page

Students, residents, faculty and university staff - We have been in communication with your schools about sponsoring attendees. If you would like to attend and need funding, please reach out to your Indigenous Coordinator and check your inbox regularly. They will be sending their list of sponsored attendees to IPAC on or before March 8. Indigenous Coordinator Contact List

At MD, we’ve made responsible investing a consideration in our investment management process by applying an environmental, social and governance (ESG) lens to our evaluation of securities for funds that incorporate ESG factors as part of their investment strategy. Our commitment reflects our clients' values and is prudent investment management. Learn more about our mindful, sustainable approach.

Thank you MD Financial for sponsoring our IPAC Annual Mentorship Gathering

We meet monthly with the PRIDoC Council and will update you as we get more information. The call for abstracts will be open Mar 7-May 10. All details will be posted here. You are doing important work - please consider submitting an abstract.  Registration and the hotel block are not yet open. 

We are gearing up for Cultural Sharing Night and have struck a planning committee. Our chair, Dr. Alexa Lesperance is inviting members who would like to participate to an inaugural meeting April 19, 5:00pm PT/8:00pm ET. RSVP by emailing info@ipacamic.ca