ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ

2026 Grenfell

Kwe', kuei, aingai, hello,

We're gathering on October 1, 2026, for

Relational Research: An Indigenous Health Research Symposium.

This free, hybrid event celebrates Indigenous health[1] research, meaningful dialogue, and shared learning. Guided by the principles of relationality, respect, and reciprocity, this public event brings together researchers, students, Elders, community members, and research partners to engage in strength-based, solution-focused knowledge exchange.

Registration is now open. Registration is free, with options to attend virtually or in-person at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ University’s Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, NL, on the ancestral homelands of the Mi'kmaq of Ktaqmkuk.

We warmly invite you to join us for a day of learning, sharing, connection, and conversation. The Symposium will bring together people from a range of disciplines, sectors, and backgrounds to share research, experiences, and developments in Indigenous health and health research.

Check back often for updates and schedules.

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Call for Abstracts - deadline extended to September 8th

The Indigenous Health Research Symposium Planning Committee (IHRSPC) invites abstract submissions for presentations from faculty, staff, students, independent researchers, and community organizations engaged in Indigenous health research. Submissions are considered for both ongoing or recently completed (since 2021) research aligned with these or other relevant themes:

  • Research focused on the health status of Indigenous Peoples,
  • Research concerning the social determinates of Indigenous health,
  • Research responding to community identified health research priorities,
  • Research focused on mentorship and Indigenous health,
  • Research responding to the TRC’s Calls to Action with respect to health,
  • Health and wellness research conducted in Indigenous landscapes or with Indigenous Peoples, and
  • Health and wellness research that mobilizes Indigenous research methodology/methods.[2]

The IHRSPC encourages diverse approaches to knowledge sharing, including oral presentations, posters, virtual poster, storytelling, performances, screenings, and other creative or community-based formats. Presentations may be delivered virtually or in person at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ University's Grenfell Campus.[3] Submissions for pre-recorded presentations are also accepted.  Please note a virtual poster will consist of one PowerPoint image with choice of audio recording.

The IHRSPC encourage emerging and established researchers from across disciplines and backgrounds to submit an abstract by September 8th, 2026. Community researchers are welcomed. Please email IHRS@mun.ca with the subject line: IHRSPC and include:  

  • A title for your presentation
  • A list of authors
  • A 300-word (max) description including, if appropriate: background, objectives, methods, and key findings.
  • Presentation format (e.g., poster, virtual poster, in-person, remote, or pre-recorded) and technical support requirements if needed.

You will be informed about acceptance of your abstract no later than September 15th, 2026. For more information, please contact IHRS@mun.ca.

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Information booths and vendor/artisan tables

There are opportunities for organizations, community groups, vendors, and artisans to participate through information booths and vendor/artisan tables.

For more information on these opportunities, or to reserve a booth/table, please contact ihrs@mun.ca.

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Come for the Symposium and stay for the Powwow

While you're in Corner Brook, we invite you to stay and join the 10th Annual All-Nations Powwow, hosted by Grenfell Campus’ Office of Indigenous Affairs on Sunday, October 4, in the Arts and Science Atrium (AS 2C01).

Gather with us from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, with an opening reception at 11:00 AM followed by Grand Entry at 1:00 PM.

The Powwow will be a day of learning, community, kinship, and celebration, featuring local vendors and artisans offering handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, and food.

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We hope you will join us this October and be part of the conversations, relationships, and community that make Indigenous health research meaningful.

Please share this invitation with your networks, colleagues, communities, and organizations. The conversations that matter happen when we gather together to have them.

Wela'lioq, tshinashkumitinau, nakummek, thank you.

We acknowledge that this gathering takes place in the Ktaqamkuk region of Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded homelands of the Mi'kmaq.

The Symposium is supported by the WATERR Lab, an Indigenous Health Lab, along with ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ University’s Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Office of Indigenous Affairs, and other partners.

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[1] The IHRSPC embraces a holistic conception of health that includes physical well-being as well as mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of individual, collective, and environmental wellness.

[2] The symposium seeks to highlight Indigenous health research grounded in place. While submissions from across Canada are warmly welcomed, we particularly encourage submissions associated with research involving Indigenous Peoples and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Indigenous territories that share longstanding cultural, historical, and geographic relationships with the region despite provincial boundaries.

[3] Please note that we are unable to aid with travel and any costs incurred will be the responsibility of the participant.