U of S enters into agreement with Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
The University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Wellness Research Group (IWRG) known as pewaseskwan and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) have forged an alliance to further research on Indigenous issues.
“The university and FSIN are building bridges in a number of different ways,” Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness, Dr. Alexandra King, said.
“This is but one step, but I think each and every step is an important one in the journey and certainly from a research perspective we are super excited about this.”
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Friday afternoon means the FSIN’s Saskatchewan First Nation Women’s Commission (SFNWC) will work with pewaseskwan on Indigenous research.
“I'm happy to see [the U of S] stepping forward and stepping up to help support Indigenous women and two-spirited because right now I think that's there's a lack of support,” said SIN Vice-Chief Aly Bear.
Dr. King says there are already two projects planned, which will be funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
The first project will focus on supporting Indigenous women after being released from the criminal justice system.
“Supporting them in the wellness journey,” she said. “How do they come back into the world?”
“Reintegrate with family, regain their children back, but also how do they do that really important work of healing.”
Dr. King says the second project will be aimed at helping support Indigenous youth with healthy sexuality.
“I think that some of this notion of healthy sexuality is how do we get back to who we are from a spiritual perspective, our spiritual being, and how is that reflected then in sort of our sexuality and other things,” she said.
“The history of the residential schools, 60’s scoop and so much else with colonization has meant that we've ended up having European ideas of sexuality forced on us, and we know that from an Indigenous perspective, as an example, gender was a much different concept. It was far more fluid and much more diverse, and this is really important because in our societies we know that we're richer because we have these people.”
Bear says it’s important that this research is led by Indigenous people.
“Especially if it's research regarding First Nations people and what's going to help support our healing and us moving forward,” she said.
“That's why this partnership is so important because the Saskatchewan First Nations Women's Commission, which is all the woman leadership from across Saskatchewan where there are 23 elected woman chiefs right now currently, are the ones who are going to be helping lead the research.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.