Ongomiizwin - Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing

09/14/2026

September 30 is a day for reflection, but reconciliation is something we must work toward every day. As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, many of us are reflecting on how we can move beyond awareness and into meaningful action.

The We Will Take Good Care of the People post-training workshop is for those who have completed the online modules and are ready to deepen their cultural safety and anti-racism practice.
During the workshop, participants will discuss scenarios, reflect on their learning, and create a plan for putting what they have learned into practice in the workplace

Upcoming dates:
September 17
October 16
October 27

Register: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uG1qrwucNGlNowpo2v4A6z5UOVhYTjZKOFVHRVJYQUsyNFczUzg3U0dWNS4u&route=shorturl

09/11/2026

Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, we remember Dr. Christine Egan and the life and legacy she left behind.

Christine was an epidemiologist, nurse and community health leader who dedicated years of her life to supporting communities in Canada’s North. She was one of 26 Canadians who died in the September 11 attacks.

Her commitment to helping others continues through the Dr. Christine Egan Memorial Scholarship, which supports nursing students in Nunavut and honours her lasting contributions to health, education and northern communities.

Today, we remember Christine not only for how she died, but for how she lived — with care, curiosity, service and a deep commitment to helping others.

Ellen Judd's partner, Christine Egan, was visiting her brother Michael Egan at work on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center south tower when the New York skyscraper was struck by a hijacked plane on Sept. 11, 2001.

09/10/2026

In July, Ongomiizwin Health Services joined community members in Pauingassi for a conversation about diabetes and eye health.

Kimberly Hrycaiko, Diabetic Retinal Screening Nurse Clinician, and Jessica Crow, Aboriginal Diabetes Worker, shared information about diabetic retinopathy and retinal screening, followed by an interactive activity and a lively discussion.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their questions and knowledge.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn together and continue building relationships that support health and well-being in northern communities.

Learn more about Ongomiizwin Health Services here: https://umanitoba.ca/ongomiizwin/health-services

09/09/2026

Today was our final Mashkiki Gitigaan Medicine Garden clean-up gathering of the season. Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the summer and helped care for this special space.
 
Today’s gathering included harvesting rosehips — the small, red fruit of the rose plant. Rosehips can be gathered and dried to make a naturally fragrant, tart tea, making them a wonderful way to carry the garden’s harvest into the colder months.
 
Thank you to everyone who shared their time, care and connection with the Medicine Garden this season. We’re grateful for our community and all the hands that helped nurture this space.

09/02/2026

Our final Medicine Garden clean-up gathering of the year!

Join us on Wednesday, September 9, from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM for our last garden gathering of the season.
Come spend some time in the Medicine Garden, help care for the space, share teachings and stories, and connect with community.

Bring a potluck item to share!

Whether you’ve joined us throughout the summer or this will be your first time, we’d love to see you there.

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Mashkiki Gitigaan - Medicine Garden, Bannatyne Campus

08/24/2026

Ongomiizwin Education welcomes new and returning learners to Rady — a community built on support and belonging.

08/19/2026

RETINAL SCREENING is available for all people living with Diabetes.

The Diabetes Canada guidelines recommend routine screening every 1-2 years.

So, if you are due or don't know when your last screening was - head over to the Garden Hill Nursing Station or call 204-456-9780.

Walk-Ins and or by appointment.
See you there!

08/14/2026

This summer, six Indigenous medical learners took part in the inaugural Kiskenimisowin Nikaniwi (Finding Yourself and Leadership) program.

Through clinical shadowing with Indigenous physicians, cultural teachings, time with our Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and leadership activities, learners had the opportunity to strengthen their connection to culture, community and their future in health care.

Kiskenimisowin Nikaniwi is helping create pathways where they can learn, connect and see themselves reflected in the health-care system.

Read more on UM Today.

Ongomiizwin’s inaugural summer program supports Indigenous medical students through clinical placements, cultural learning and leadership development.

07/28/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Glennis Bird, who was honoured by her home community during the Peguis Treaty Days Powwow on July 22.

Her community came together to celebrate this important milestone and recognize her achievement of earning her Doctor of Medicine degree.

A proud member of Peguis First Nation, Dr. Bird's accomplishment is a reflection of her hard work, perseverance and the unwavering support of her community.

We are honoured to celebrate this meaningful recognition alongside Dr. Bird and her community.

We love celebrating the achievements of our learners, faculty, staff and community members. If you have a milestone you'd like us to share, email us at [email protected]

05/06/2026

Over three language sessions, Awakening Our Words – Spirit in Our Words, learners, staff, and faculty came together to learn greetings and everyday words in Ininímowin (Cree) and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe). A reminder that language is medicine, connection, and a living practice we share together.

A special thank you to Elder Margaret Lavallee and Knowledge Keeper George Muswaggon for guiding these sessions with their teachings and heart.

The official launch of this initiative will take place in the fall, and we look forward to expanding into additional Indigenous languages. Stay tuned!