Yukon University researcher receives new funding toward integrating Traditional Indigenous medicines
Dr. Michelle Leach, Scientific Director of the Yukon Strategy for Patient Oriented Research at Yukon University has been awarded new funding to support collaborative research, with partners the Yukon Hospital Corporation and Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
The project, “The Power of Traditional Indigenous Medicines: Revitalizing Knowledge on the Road to Reconciliation,” was awarded a three-year College and Community Social Innovation Fund grant valued at $360,000.
The project aims to revitalize knowledge of Traditional Indigenous medicines and integrate them into mainstream healthcare systems.
“Several barriers hinder Indigenous peoples' access to Traditional Indigenous medicines within mainstream healthcare systems, including lack of recognition, cultural sensitivity issues, regulatory barriers, limited research, and inadequate funding,” said Leach, who is the Principal Investigator for the project. “These barriers not only limit access but also contribute to the erosion of Indigenous cultural practices and knowledge.”
The study will include a review of Traditional Indigenous medicine programs and policies to identify strengths and barriers within the Yukon healthcare system and develop a survey that aims to understand Indigenous healthcare needs, access to Traditional Indigenous medicines and holistic healing supports. This information will be used to inform best practices for cultural programs within healthcare settings. In addition, the researchers will develop workshops to revitalize knowledge of Traditional Indigenous medicines among youth, prioritizing their education and empowerment. Finally, the project will support knowledge mobilization activities to ensure research findings inform policy and program development.
Speaking to the importance of partnerships in research, Leach said, “the integration of Indigenous medicines into healthcare systems supports Indigenous self-determination, holistic health approaches, and environmental stewardship, contributing to reconciliation efforts. This research is not just about medicine; it's about empowering Indigenous communities to reclaim their cultural heritage and promote holistic well-being for generations to come.”
Yukon University, Canada’s first university north of sixty, is committed to taking its place in reconciliation with Indigenous people. This latest project advances the University’s 5-year strategic plan commitment to work together with First Nations governments to support and prioritize their needs for education and research, and to uphold their self-determination.
This project is one of the successful projects in the 2024 competition for the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program’s Mobilize grants and College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grants, administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.