Community engagement initiatives have progressed within Diabetes Research Envisioned and Accomplished in Manitoba Research (DREAM), a research theme at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM). Thanks to a generous grant TD Bank Group (TD) made earlier this year, DREAM has utilized the grant to support building partnerships with 4 Anisininew Nations that are serviced by the Four Arrows Regional Health Authority (FARHA). $60,000, from this funding was initially used to support the position of a First Nations Research Coordinator. Tanya McDougall, an Anisininew Nations scholar, and Lionel Mason, an Elder and Knowledge-Sharer from Anisininew Nations, with Dr. Chukwudumebi Onyiuke, who works in FARHA’s research and data unit, are fully engaged in working with DREAM research interests in the Anisininew region.

DREAM recognizes how important connecting with Indigenous communities is within diabetes research. DREAM has engaged with patients and families living with type 2 diabetes, as well as Indigenous scholars and experts.  Many children and youth that live in the Anisininew Nations are affected by chronic diseases. Now, the important findings from DREAM research will be prioritized towards helping to meaningfully improve the lives of children living in the Anisininew Nations region.

Due to the disproportionate effects that diabetes has on Indigenous children, DREAM projects have been designed to understand the reasons behind this disparity such that preventative measures and treatments are more directly focused on the needs of the communities. In order to achieve common goals, it is important to build and create new relationships to deepen the trust between healthcare and Indigenous communities. The FARHA team plays a significant role in achieving this goal in the Anisininew Nations region of Manitoba, which has a population of about 16, 000.

Directing the focus on Indigenous health and wellness will assist in the design of different intervention strategies that are built on respect and inclusion. Having the FARHA teamwork with DREAM provides a more integrated relationship between Anisininew Nations and DREAM pediatric research. This will drive continued efforts towards building the research relationship and ensure the communities are well advocated for. However, most importantly, is the need to ensure research funds are used to develop human capacity in the region, such that the research results in long-lasting benefits for the community.

“I am delighted to be serving with FARHA in rebuilding the relationship between researchers and the Anisininew Nations region, and I look forward to the ways the collaboration will translate to tangible benefits to health and wellbeing and expand ethical research capacity in the Four Island Lake Anisininew Nations,” says Dr. Onyiuke.

We welcome Tanya, Chukwudumebi and Lionel to the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba DREAM team! Their experience and expertise will allow for the advancements of pediatric health research and the implementation of more integrated and respectful spaces for the Anisininew Nations and other Indigenous research partners.

We express our gratitude to the TD Bank Group for their generous donation.