Synthesizing Current Evidence on Tuberculosis Information Campaigns in Canada’s North

By Stacey Woods, 2nd year MDP student

My name is Stacey Woods; I was born in the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dene, and the birthplace of the Red River Métis, also colonially known as Winnipeg, Manitoba, or Treaty 1 territory, where I grew up with my parents and older brother. My background and ancestral ties are rooted in Ukraine and Britain, which actively inform my worldviews and perspectives as a woman, a daughter, a sister, a niece, and a friend to many in my circle and outstretched community. I wanted to begin by stating where I place myself within knowledge production. This goes for not only for this blog post but, for wherever I go in spaces where teaching and learning are being done. The work that is illustrated in this presentation is both directly and indirectly impacted by intersections of my identity and socially constructed sense of reality.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to knowledge translation efforts with the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID), where I explored the evidence and knowledge on information campaigns on Tuberculosis (TB) in Canada’s North. In the expansive and often isolated landscapes of Canada's North, TB intervention, planning, and mitigation strategies present unique challenges that are distinct to certain regions due to infrastructure, resource management, and coordination among multiple sectors and partners. Advances in TB diagnostic technologies, coupled with proactive community-based initiatives, are reshaping how local community-based approaches to TB testing, screening, and treatment in Northern Arctic regions look like (i.e., regional planning, clinical operations, health human resources, etc.). Yet, the cornerstone of these advancements lies in effective TB information campaigns for understanding the effectiveness of knowledge mobilization for TB awareness.

These campaigns (i.e., social media, radio stations, news broadcasts, print media, online resources, organizational programs, community-based initiatives, etc.) are not just about spreading awareness—they are about empowering communities and building capacity. By educating individuals about TB, these campaigns encourage early detection and prompt treatment seeking. They play a crucial role in bridging knowledge gaps and ensuring health care resources are brought forward as an option and piece of knowledge to encourage and promote wellness practices (i.e., screening, diagnosis, symptom and disease management, etc.) for  those who need them most, regardless of the logistical, geographical, and infrastructural barriers.

It was a privilege to explore how information campaigns can effect change and improve public health outcomes, and at the same time, learn and appreciate the efforts that have and continue to be made to eliminate TB globally. Working alongside the NCCID team was inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for their commitment to advancing public health initiatives that stretch beyond the scope of TB management. I would like to personally thank my supervisor and mentor, Claudyne Chevrier (pictured on the right), as well as my other supporting supervisor, Margaret Haworth-Brockman (not pictured) for allowing me to contribute to TB knowledge translation and TB information campaign knowledge mobilization.

Human Rights & International Development

By Chelsea Bannatyne, 1st year MDP student

 

On August 12-13^th I participated in the commemoration of 2024 International Youth Day, the theme was “From Awareness to Action: Empowering Youth in Nigeria for the SDGs.” The two-day event was hosted by Nigerian Youth SDGs (NGYouthSDGs), the focus was on empowering young people in driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The events key highlights included panel discussions on education, gender equality, climate action, and economic growth, alongside workshops, networking opportunities, and Spotlight Awards recognizing outstanding youth contributions to SDG action.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global framework established by the United Nations in 2015 to address pressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. There are 17 SDGs, each focusing on critical areas of development, including health, education, gender equality, clean water, and sustainable economic growth. The SDGs aim to create a better and more sustainable world by 2030, fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to drive meaningful progress.

The Nigerian Youth SDGs (NGYouthSDGs) is an organization focused on empowering young Nigerians to drive the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They facilitate youth involvement in policy advocacy, capacity-building initiatives, and leadership development. Through partnerships, workshops, and campaigns, NGYouthSDGs encourages active participation in promoting education, gender equality, climate action, and economic opportunities.

Partnered non-governmental organizations like Oxfam and Connected Development (CODE) play pivotal roles in advancing the SDGs in Nigeria. Oxfam focuses on addressing poverty, inequality, and social injustice. In Nigeria, Oxfam works on various initiatives, including gender equality, economic empowerment, and food security. Connected Development (CODE) is dedicated to increasing civic engagement and ensuring accountability in Nigeria. CODE’s mission aligns with SDG targets on reducing inequality and promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. 

By Brent Wennekes, 1st year MDP student

I grew up in Hawkesbury, Ontario, on Crawford’s Purchases, the traditional lands of the Mohawk and Six Nations people. In 2010, I moved to Winnipeg, and in March 2020, when the COVID pandemic struck, my family relocated to my wife’s family cabin. We now live permanently in beautiful Treaty One, just a five-minute walk from the sandy shores of Lake Winnipeg.

With 15 years of experience working at the intersection of education, applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, my current placement focuses on addressing barriers to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs. I am working with Richard Tuck, a leading expert on social and Indigenous finance and the Metis founder of Wakopa Financial, a cooperative of professionals dedicated to creating positive community change. 

My placement continues a larger partnership aimed at advancing opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs seeking capital. Our project culminated in a significant market study report, valuable to both an external foundation exploring investment avenues and the broader public. Leading a team of three interns—a PhD student in Economics from the University of Manitoba, an Indigenous PhD candidate from Royal Roads, and an Indigenous MBA student from UNBC—we developed the report using quantitative and qualitative data from a nationwide survey of entrepreneurs and capital providers.

My MDP coursework, especially in Indigenous Research Methods and Indigenous Quantitative Methods, was crucial in balancing qualitative and quantitative approaches for the study. The foundational education from Indigenous Thoughts and Worldview, taught by Elder Dan Thomas, bolstered my confidence in contributing meaningfully to Indigenous truth and reconciliation.

Witnessing months of diligent work, including numerous one-on-one interviews, culminate in a unified and impactful report has been immensely fulfilling. The insights gained have fueled the development of prototype solutions to dismantle barriers faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in accessing capital. Wakopa, its partners, and I are eager to continue our efforts by implementing selected solutions in the coming months and years, paving the way for more equitable access to capital in Canada.

Brent (L) & Richard (R)

Notes from Treaty 6 Territory

By Uchenna Hilary Ezeh & Nowsheen Kamal, 1st year MDP students

We are both first-year MDP students and were excited to embark on our first field placement for the program. We connected with our mentor for the placement, James Lamouche, formerly the Director of Research at the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre (IKWC) and is currently the Project Manager of the kihcihkaw askî - Sacred Land in Edmonton.

IKWC's mission is to preserve, promote, and share the rich heritage, traditions, history, and knowledge of Indigenous communities on Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7 and Treaty No. 8. It serves as a vital repository for ancestral wisdom, where ancient teachings, oral histories, and practices are safeguarded for future generations. The center is a dynamic learning space that fosters intercultural understanding and respect through workshops, storytelling, art, and educational programs. The organization worked on Treaty kits and a virtual library for Indigenous schools in Treaty 6. These projects enriched us with knowledge of treaty rights, the history of the Indigenous people, and why treaty education is very important.

IKWC also oversees the operations of the kihcihkaw askî-Sacred Land in Edmonton, a site of profound spiritual, cultural, and historical significance for Indigenous peoples, particularly the Cree. kihcihkaw askî, which means 'Sacred Land' in Cree, is a designated area in Edmonton, Alberta. Located in the North Saskatchewan River Valley, this site is dedicated to ceremonial, cultural, and spiritual practices. It is the first urban Indigenous ceremonial grounds of its kind in Canada, where Indigenous people can conduct ceremonies like sweat lodges, pipe ceremonies, and smudging in a natural setting.

The name kihcihkaw askî reflects Indigenous communities' reverence for the land, viewing it as sacred, where traditional practices are deeply connected to nature. The space is used for cultural education, reconciliation efforts, fostering community, and strengthening the connection between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands. The site's development, in partnership with Indigenous leaders and the City of Edmonton, symbolizes a step toward honouring Indigenous traditions and ensuring the preservation of these practices for future generations.

Our Mentor, James Lamouche, was also involved with the Ărramăt Project, a global initiative that highlights the vital role Indigenous Peoples play in conserving biodiversity and supporting community well-being. Rooted in Indigenous worldviews like whakapapa (Maori) and askiy (Cree), the project is named after the Tamasheq word Ărramăt, which describes a state of shared well-being between people, animals, and the environment.

Running from 2021 to 2027 and funded by Canada's New Frontiers in Research Fund, the Ărramăt Project aims to support over 100 Indigenous-led research efforts worldwide. It empowers Indigenous communities to document and share their knowledge of land stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and health while advocating for Indigenous leadership in global environmental decision-making. Grounded in ethical principles like Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), the project strengthens Indigenous voices and promotes sustainable solutions for environmental and human health.

Working closely with our Mentor, James Lamouche, was an enriching experience. We learned a lot about Indigenous history and built relationships and understanding with diverse groups of people who worked on Treaty Kits, a virtual library and a historical, educational board game for band-operated schools in Treaty 6, 7 and 8. We also had the opportunity to engage in ceremonies like pipe ceremonies and two-spirit Sweat Lodge and observe how large research projects like Ărramăt are carried out by attending various meetings.