Moving forward with Indigenous-led treatment and recovery, substance-use services in Terrace New treatment, recovery withdrawal-management services will support people with addiction challenges

“Moving forward with Indigenous-led treatment and recovery, substance-use services in Terrace” - news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202... - #HarmReduction #IndigenousHealth #CulturalSafety

New paper alert 📘 Our ATTACH™ program supports Indigenous families with strengths-based parenting. Read more: link.springer.com/article/10.17269/s41997-... #NewPaper #ATTACHProgram #IndigenousHealth #ParentingSupport #ReflectiveFunctioning #ChildDevelopment #AttachmentMatters

Interested in joining the working group? Learn more and apply (application details at the bottom of the page): g-i-n.net/working-gr...

#HealthEquity #IndigenousHealth

@gincomms.bsky.social

NCCIH's “Stories of our health” feature Jackson Cameron

For this week’s “Stories of our health” feature, we invite you to explore both Jackson Cameron’s digital story: https://loom.ly/iwmiFFk and podcast episode: https://loom.ly/vm6d73c

Learn more: https://loom.ly/nWTDdKs

#IndigenousHealth #IndigenousYouth #DigitalStorytelling

New project aims to help Indigenous people with diverse needs KAMLOOPS - The B.C. government is launching a new pilot project aimed at helping Indigenous people with develo...

“New project aims to help Indigenous people with diverse needs” - cfjctoday.com/2026/03/28/n... - #HealthEquity #CulturalSafety #IndigenousHealth

#FirstDoNoHarm #ChronicAllies #LongCovidAwareness #MedEd #PublicHealth #IndigenousHealth #Stigma #LongCovid #LongCovidKids

Returned to an integrated youth services centre I trained nearly a decade ago🩵 Some things haven’t changed—limited space for Nenqayni youth, rising mental health & opioid challenges. But peer workers are reclaiming space. Back to listen and hold space 🐦‍⬛ #IndigenousHealth #FullCircle

New Indigenous healing space brings traditional practices into mental health care at LHSC | CBC News A new Indigenous healing space at London Health Sciences Centre is bringing cultural practices into mental health care. The space reflects a growing recognition among health experts that Indigenous he...

“New Indigenous healing space brings traditional practices into mental health care at LHSC” - www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... - #MentalHealth #CulturalSafety #IndigenousHealth

Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation celebrates first in-community health care aide graduates Eight members of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation are being recognized after completing a Health Care Aide training program delivered in partnership with RRC Polytech. The graduates have finished...

“Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation celebrates first in-community health care aide graduates” - www.steinbachonline.com/articles/ros... - #Education #IndigenousHealth #CulturalSafety

NCCIH's “Stories of our health” feature Destiny Henyu-Rinsma

#TheNCCIH continues to highlight youth voices through the “Stories of our health” series. This week features Destiny Henyu-Rinsma and both her digital story: https://loom.ly/bxlf_xI and podcast episode: https://loom.ly/atmeVjY

Learn more: https://loom.ly/nWTDdKs

#IndigenousHealth #IndigenousYouth

User Testing an mHealth Behavioral Health App for Hopi/Tewa Youth During the #covid19 Pandemic: #usability Study Background: American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people represent a culturally diverse people group within the United States. AI/AN people experience some of the most severe health disparities in the United States, including behavioral health. A quarter of AI/AN people in the United States live on tribal lands, experiencing significant barriers to mental health resources and broadband infrastructure for telehealth. We developed Amplifying Resilience Over Restricted Internet Access (ARORA)—a mobile health (mHealth) smartphone app, promoting mindfulness practices and community building through AI/AN culture and values. Originally co-designed with both Hopi/Tewa and Navajo youth and adults, this study evaluated app resonance among Hopi/Tewa youth, supporting its iterative design. While we initially planned in-person user testing, this was moved online due to the #covid19 pandemic. Objective: This study assessed the potential and acceptability of an mHealth app supporting Hopi/Tewa youth practicing mindfulness inspired by their culture, values, and beliefs. This research served as preliminary work for an ongoing, iterative participatory action research study, identifying points of improvement to align with our partner community’s goals. Methods: After meeting with 6 community advisory board members and focus groups prior to this study, we developed a prototype for ARORA. This study evaluated intuitiveness and #usability through testing and interviews with Hopi/Tewa youth. All meetings with stakeholders were moved online due to the #covid19 pandemic. Using screen-sharing via Zoom (Zoom Communications, Inc) and Android emulators, we received feedback for the iterative design process. Results: This study involved 9 participants aged 16-24 years. Of these participants, 1 was male and 8 were female; all identified as Hopi/Tewa and/or Tewa. This study included a quantitative assessment using a modified version of the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. The mean score across all questions was 3.71 (SD 0.427), suggesting generally positive reception. Qualitative results from thematically analyzing open-ended focus group data produced 5 open codes and 12 axial themes, reaching thematic saturation after engaging with 9 participants. Qualitative feedback revealed that while its use was generally enjoyable, the ARORA app could be more specific to Hopi/Tewa culture. Finally, we reflect on adaptations made to our initial protocol in response to the #covid19 pandemic, offering guidelines for future mHealth work involving rural or hard-to-reach communities. Conclusions: In this evaluation and #usability testing of the ARORA prototype, participants expressed interest and engagement in the mindfulness activities. Participants also identified spaces in which the app could improve, both in #usability and in cultural groundedness, especially with the visual dimensions of the app. Reflecting on our experience in facilitating remote user testing, we encourage future work in rural mHealth to consider practices for conducting research when in-person meetings are not feasible.

JMIR Formative Res: User Testing an mHealth Behavioral Health App for Hopi/Tewa Youth During the #covid19 Pandemic: #usability Study #mHealth #BehavioralHealth #IndigenousHealth #MentalHealth #Telehealth

Development of a Culturally Adapted Smartphone App (IndigeQuit) Designed to Help American Indian and Alaska Native People Quit Commercial Cigarettes: User-Centered Mixed Methods Study Background: Due to the colonization of tobacco plants by European settlers and the subsequent intensive marketing of commercial tobacco products to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in the United States, commercial cigarette smoking accounts for half of all deaths among AI/AN people. Limited awareness, access to treatment, and the absence of culturally relevant, effective smoking cessation interventions contribute to these high death rates. Objective: This study aims to culturally adapt iCanQuit, a smartphone smoking cessation app proven efficacious for the general population, for AI/AN people. Methods: A user-centered and community-based participatory research (CBPR) mixed methods approach was applied to culturally adapt iCanQuit for AI/AN people in collaboration with a community advisory board (CAB) of AI/AN individuals using a 3-step process. Step 1 identified ways to culturally adapt the iCanQuit for AI/AN people through 1-on-1 qualitative interviews with 8 prior iCanQuit AI/AN participants. Step 2 involved developing prototypes of cultural refinements identified in step 1 through regular biweekly meetings of the CAB, research, and app development teams. The prototypes were then evaluated with a separate group of 4 prior iCanQuit AI/AN participants through 1-on-1 qualitative interviews. Step 3 involved beta testing the app through a 6-day diary study followed by 1-on-1 qualitative interviews with a nationally recruited group of 7 AI/AN adults who smoke commercial cigarettes. The development work associated with step 3 was further informed by the CAB and the research and app development teams. Results: Key findings identified 5 cultural refinements that informed subsequent app development and testing: (1) stories featuring AI/AN adults and elders emphasizing culture, spirituality, family, and community; (2) honoring the Earth as a motivator for cessation; (3) a guide character representative of AI/AN people; (4) clear distinction between ceremonial and commercial tobacco use; and (5) use of earth tones in visual design. In Step 3, all 7 (100%) diary study participants rated the beta version of the app as excellent or good/meets expectations (5/7, 71%, and 2/7, 29%, respectively) and that it felt made for them. They suggested 6 modifications which were incorporated into the final version of the app: (1) include vaping frequently asked questions, (2) feature motivation icons more prominently, (3) increase notification frequency, (4) track today’s cigarettes rather than yesterday’s, (5) allow users to update how much they spend per pack of cigarettes; and (6) rename the medications tool to reflect the inclusion of AI/AN traditional healing modalities. Conclusions: A user-centered and CBPR development process yielded IndigeQuit—one of the first known apps developed specifically to help AI/AN adults quit commercial cigarette smoking. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06145763; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06145763

JMIR Formative Res: Development of a Culturally Adapted Smartphone App (IndigeQuit) Designed to Help American Indian and Alaska Native People Quit Commercial Cigarettes: User-Centered Mixed Methods Study #PublicHealth #TobaccoCessation #IndigenousHealth #AIAN #SmokingPrevention

NCCIH's Tuberculosis (TB) Collection

March 24 marks World Tuberculosis Day and NCCIH would like to help spread awareness by sharing #TheNCCIH Tuberculosis Resource Collection: https://loom.ly/4GWbpCA

See also: https://loom.ly/RlXgbg0 and https://loom.ly/NlN_r6k

#IndigenousHealth #WorldTBDay #EndTB

There are only 3 days left to participate in NCCIH's survey

Participate in #TheNCCIH 2026 #survey and help us better meet the needs of our audiences - https://loom.ly/zHKmyKA

#IndigenousHealth #KnowledgeSharing

True leadership in medicine is rooted in humility and equality. How will you lead today?

#IndigenousHealth #WomenInMedicine #InclusiveLeadership #MondayMotivation

NCCIH Webinar "Pathways to Indigenous health - Cold war uranium mining and its impact on land, water, and Anishinaabe wellness" with Dr. Lianne Leddy

Today is #WorldWaterDay - sharing #TheNCCIH video “Cold war uranium mining and its impact on land, water, and Anishinaabe wellness” - https://loom.ly/B_Dkxpo

See also: https://loom.ly/hsYvl8Y https://loom.ly/zWAp8zI and https://www.worldwaterday.org/

#IndigenousHealth #SafeDrinkingWater

Water is poured into a glass.

Access to safe water impacts our health. Long-term drinking water advisories are in place in 29 Ontario Indigenous communities, with some advisories lasting 25+ years. This #WorldWaterDay, advocate for water security. #HealthEquity #IndigenousHealth

💧 ow.ly/qveR50Yxi6A

Q&A with Tristan Bomberry, medical student and health researcher Tristan Bomberry on Indigenous health, community-focused research, and work that's rooted in relationships.

“Q&A with Tristan Bomberry, medical student and health researcher” - news.mcmaster.ca/qa-with-tristan-bomberry... - #HealthResearch #IndigenousHealth #Education

Social Work Month Spotlight: Oncology Medical Social Worker, Stephanie Rabesca | Health and Social Services Authority The NTHSSA is pleased to spotlight Stephanie Rabesca, the Oncology Medical Social Worker. Originally from the Tłı̨chǫ region, Stephanie has lived in the Northwest Territories all her life and currently works with the Cancer Navigation Team in Yellowknife. national_social_work_month_spotlight_-_stephanie_rabesca.jpg Stephanie provides supports to patients and families from

“Social work month spotlight: Oncology medical social worker, Stephanie Rabesca” - www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/social-work-... - #SocialWorkMonth #IndigenousHealth #CulturalSafety

NCCIH's “Stories of our health” feature Bailey Quaw

This week’s “Stories of our health” feature highlights Bailey Quaw and includes both her digital story: https://loom.ly/plaAR4w and podcast episode: https://loom.ly/TRlfavQ

Learn more: https://loom.ly/nWTDdKs

#IndigenousHealth #IndigenousYouth #DigitalStorytelling

Interested in joining the working group? Learn more and apply (application details at the bottom of the page): g-i-n.net/working-gr...

#HealthEquity #IndigenousHealth

@gincomms.bsky.social

Take the NCCIH 2026 survey

Participate in #TheNCCIH 2026 #survey and help us better meet the needs of our audiences - form.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx

Survey closes Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

#IndigenousHealth #KnowledgeSharing

Join the next "TB talks" session March 31

TB talks: Building trust and supporting treatment adherence in contexts shaped by historical harm - March 31, 2026 from 12:30 - 1:30PM (ET)

Click here to register: https://loom.ly/gYL04gc

#IndigenousHealth #TBTalks

NCCIH's webinar "Indigenous-specific health impact assessment: What might it look like in Canada?" is now available at nccih.ca

Now online: #TheNCCIH webinar “Indigenous-specific health impact assessment: What might it look like in Canada?” with Dr. Diana Lewis and Dr. Elana Nightingale - https://loom.ly/YTSYyUc

#IndigenousHealth #NCCIHWebinar

NCCIH's “Stories of our health” feature Anzel Labatch-Patrick

#TheNCCIH “Stories of our health” features continue this week with a spotlight on Anzel Labatch-Patrick and her podcast episode: https://loom.ly/i9HYgTA

Learn more: https://loom.ly/nWTDdKs

#IndigenousHealth #IndigenousYouth #DigitalStorytelling

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte became the first Native American physician in the U.S. in 1889.

Instead of leaving her community, she returned to the Omaha Reservation to provide care, promote public health, and eventually help establish a hospital.

#HealthEquity #WomenInMedicine #IndigenousHealth

Researchers highlight 'regenerative healing' as a framework for health innovation Framework may better reflect Indigenous perspectives on health and wellness, and support more inclusive conversations about emerging biomedical therapies

“Researchers highlight ‘regenerative healing’ as a framework for health innovation” - news.engineering.utoronto.ca/researchers-... - #RegenerativeHealing #IndigenousHealth #HealthResearch - @engineering.utoronto.ca

View NCCIH's poster presentation "First Nations-led climate action and the links to health" at this year's CPHA

Public Health 2026 Conference #ph26sp – #TheNCCIH poster presentation at CPHA #PublicHealth2026: https://loom.ly/rsy-lf0

Poster Presentation – “First Nations-led climate action and the links to health” with Denise Webb and Rebecca Zalaski

#IndigenousHealth

Six Nations man becomes Canada’s first doctor of public health Canada’s first doctor of public health brings Indigenous people to the “front of the line.”

“Six Nations man becomes Canada’s first doctor of public health” - www.thespec.com/news/hamilto... - #IndigenousHealth #CulturalSafety #PatientAdvocate

NEW in PLOS Global Public Health:

New research highlights how Native American families navigated worsened food & water access during COVID‑19—drawing on resilience, family support, and traditional foodways to protect young children’s nutrition. #IndigenousHealth #FoodJustice

plos.io/409wMmW