On May 14th and 15th, 2026, the CAHHM Indigenous Data Workshop brought together community leaders, researchers, and clinicians at the Population Health Research Institute in Hamilton, Ontario. The workshop provided an opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and advance Indigenous health research grounded in community priorities.
Over the two days, participants engaged in a variety of topics related to CAHHM study updates, and goals for future research analyses. Life satisfaction discussions explored how findings from non–First Nations populations, presented to share the potential for applying similar analyses to First Nations data to better understand community well-being (Sonia Anand). Conversations on diet highlighted the importance of traditional foods and their cultural, social, and land-based contexts (Russ de Souza & James Irvine). Biomarker research was discussed as an emerging area with potential to inform future understanding of chronic disease and cognitive health (Marie Pigeyre). Innovative approaches to care, including mobile health clinics, were explored as opportunities to improve access to services and better align care with community needs (Miles Marchand). The workshop also included an interactive statistics activity, where participants collaboratively worked on exploring association analysis using multiple variables of interest. The meeting also included a visit to the Woodland Cultural Centre and Mohawk Institute.
L to R: PHRI Statistician, Celine Funk; Mary Speck and Allana Nakashook-Zettler from the University of Toronto; Health Promotion Supervisor, Lac La Ronge, Karen Kammermayer; and Dr. James Irvine, May 15, 2026.
The workshop concluded with a focus on continuing collaboration and identifying opportunities to build-on existing data and partnerships in ways that support community priorities.
Bringing together diverse perspectives, the 2026 Indigenous Data Workshop fostered meaningful dialogue and reinforced a shared commitment to advancing community-centered Indigenous health research.
