We offer our deepest gratitude to Elder Charlotte Nolan for generously sharing her wisdom and guiding the integration of Métis ways of knowing and being into the Beliefs & Values section of our website.
With her support, we’ve honoured teachings grounded in respect, education, and self-determination — values that reflect a lifelong journey of learning and teaching. As Elder Charlotte reminded us, “Have we learned all we can? Have we taught all we can?”
We are humbled by her generosity and honoured to carry these teachings with care. Maarsii, Elder Charlotte — your guidance is a gift we will continue to walk with. |
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She:kon, Last week the Thunders came rumbling to our area, waking up the Earth from her long sleep. We put tobacco down acknowledging this important change of the cycle of seasons. There was also the beginning of this year’s cycle of meetings and conferences, and many of us have had the chance to see each other. |
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As Dr. Alexa Lesperance prepares to step away from the IPAC Board this June, we pause to honour her journey, her leadership, and the legacy she leaves behind. Over the past six years, she has walked with us — firmly rooted in culture, care, and community — and helped guide our circle through times of change, growth, and renewal. |
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| Spotlight: TRC Medical School Report Card Committee |
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Led by Indigenous medical students, the TRC Medical School Report Card Committee holds Canadian medical schools accountable to the TRC’s Calls to Action. This student-led model has inspired others—including the Black Medical Students’ Association of Canada (BMSAC) and students from the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA)—to explore similar approaches.
In this spotlight, the TRC team shares how mentorship, allyship, and collaboration are helping create more inclusive and culturally safe medical education around the world. |
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| Spring Medicines & Movements |
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This month, IPAC members and leadership gathered in good ways across Turtle Island — from unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territory to Treaty 1 Territory and Kjipuktuk.
Drs. Ojistoh Horn and Brent Young, Shelley Young, and Dr. Michael Dumont attended the CMA Health Summit, while Elder Ann (Annjij) LaBillois, Dr. Ojistoh Horn, and Executive Director Melanie Osmack joined the Canadian Medical Forum in Kjipuktuk to hold space for Indigenous leadership in national health conversations.
In Treaty 1 Territory, Dr. Ryan Giroux took part in the 11th International Meeting on Indigenous Child Health, and at ICAM2025, Dr. Jamaica Cass honoured Dr. Lindsay Brant’s Pedagogy of Peace — a model rooted in the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace.
Follow us on social media to see where our footsteps lead next, as we continue this work together. |
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| 2024-2025 TRC Report Card Survey is NOW OPEN! |
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Are you an Indigenous medical student whowas enrolled in medical school during the past academic year? The TRC Report Card Committee wants to hear from you!
This year’s survey includes a few exciting updates—click the link below to explore what’s new and share your experiences. Your voice helps shape accountability, inclusion, and change in medical education. |
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Planning is underway for fall mentorship events at medical schools across Turtle Island! These gatherings offer space for Indigenous medical students, residents, and physicians to connect, share stories, and support one another in community.
We’re also preparing for our October CaRMS Panels, where Indigenous residents will speak about their journeys through the match process and offer reflections to support those preparing to apply. |
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The TRC Report Card Team is hosting virtual circles for Indigenous medical students to gather, smudge with an Elder, share experiences, and learn about the TRC Report Card Survey and results. Open to students from all years and schools. Smudging kits provided.
Upcoming circles include Québec schools, Calgary, Queen’s, Alberta, and Manitoba.
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We’re excited to share that the IPAC Mentorship Toolkit is now available — a living resource designed to support meaningful, culturally grounded mentorship for Indigenous medical learners, residents, and physicians.
This toolkit reflects the voices, experiences, and wisdom of our community, and we hope it will serve as a helpful guide for those walking together in mentorship.
We are also grateful to be working in relationship with staff at francophone medical schools to co-develop a French version of the toolkit. This work is ongoing, and we thank everyone involved for walking with us to make these resources accessible and inclusive. |
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What physicians in Canada and their families need to know about financial impacts. Join MD Financial Management and MNP for an exclusive financial webinar designed for physicians in Canada and their families. Learn how recent tariff changes could impact your finances, investments and the cost of essential goods and services. Our knowledgeable panel will break down key insights, strategies and actions you can take to help navigate these economic shifts with confidence. |
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Gathering in Circle: 2025 Mentorship & AGM June 6–8, 2025 Misâskwatômina (Saskatoon), SK | Treaty 6 Territory This year’s theme, “Two-Eyed Seeing in Land, Culture, and Health,” highlights the journey of blending traditional Indigenous knowledge with Western medicine to create a wholistic approach to health and healing.
What to Expect: ✅ Interactive workshops & breakout sessions with healthcare leaders ✅ Wellness activities focused on balance, mindfulness, and self-care ✅ Networking opportunities with peers and mentors ✅ Cultural experiences rooted in tradition and community
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Funding to Attend the 2025 Mentorship Gathering: IPAC is offering limited funding for medical student, resident, and physician members to attend the Annual Mentorship Gathering. Amount: $2,000 per recipient Deadline: Extended to April 30, 2025, at 12 PM ET |
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The2025 Annual General Meeting will be held in a hybrid format, welcoming members both in person and virtually. Whether you're joining from the land or through your screen, we invite you to be part of this important gathering. Together, we’ll reflect on our shared work, vote on key matters, and help guide the future of Indigenous health and mentorship.
Date: Friday, June 6, 2025, at 1:15 PM CST Registration closes:May 26 at 12:00 PM ET |
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Do you know someone who uplifts community, walks with integrity, and leads with heart? Is that you? Advance nominations are now open for the IPAC Board of Directors— a meaningful opportunity to support Indigenous health transformation, mentorship, and leadership on a national scale.
Nominations Open:April 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET Deadline to Submit: May 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET
We invite you to be part of shaping the future of Indigenous health and medical education. |
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With Gratitude: Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors The 2025 Annual Mentorship Gathering is made possible through the generous support of our partners and sponsors. We offer sincere thanks to the organizations that stand with us — and to the medical schools who continue to sponsor Indigenous medical learners each year.
We also want to acknowledge the dedicated school support staff who work closely with IPAC to register students, coordinate sponsorships, and ensure learners can take part in this gathering. Your efforts help make this community possible.
Several of our partners and sponsors will also be exhibitors at the Annual Mentorship Gathering. Please be sure to visit their tables and connect with them during the event. See our full list of partners and sponsors here. |
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Made on Turtle Island and created for those attending this year’s Gathering.
This limited-edition T-shirt features a powerful design that symbolizes the strength of Indigenous knowledge and Western ways coming together — rooted in land, culture, and health.
Cost: $25 Order Deadline: April 24th Pickup Only: Available at the Annual Mentorship Gathering in June
Celebrate the journey. Wear the story. Order here. |
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| IPAC Awards – Nominations Now Open! |
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We’re honoured to welcome the First Nations Health Authority as the official sponsor of the 2025 IPAC Awards.
These awards recognize the leadership, advocacy, and mentorship of Indigenous physicians, learners, and health champions across Turtle Island. Recipients will be awarded $1,000 and honoured at the Annual Mentorship Gathering.
Nomination deadline: April 25, 2025 at 11:59 PM PDT.
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A space for those who walk with us in support of Indigenous-led health transformation.
Guided by community and ancestral teachings, Walking Alongside invites non-Indigenous partners, learners, and organizations to reflect, learn, and take action with respect, reciprocity, and shared responsibility.
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| Find the Role That Speaks to You |
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Whether you're just starting out or walking with years of experience, there’s a role that may be meant for you. From coast to coast to coast, these opportunities reflect a range of paths and lived experiences.
Click the link to explore current openings and take the next step in your medical journey — guided by purpose, community, and care. |
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| Recognition and Support for Your Path in Medicine (Scholarships & Bursaries) |
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Indigenous Family Medicine Resident Scholarship – Apply Now
The CFPC is offering a $10,000 scholarship to honour a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit family medicine resident who has shown leadership and commitment to community care. The recipient will be recognized at the Family Medicine Forum (FMF) and receive travel support to attend.
Nominations must reach the CFPC National Office by 4:00 p.m. (ET) on May 20, 2025.
Learn more and apply here |
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Follow us on social media for the latest updates |
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