Indigenous Child & Youth Health Initiative
Why Indigenous Child & Youth Health Matters
Indigenous children and youth in Canada experience significant health inequities rooted in ongoing impacts of colonization, system racism, and historical trauma. Addressing these inequities requires approaches to care and research that are culturally safe, strengths-based, and grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems.
The Indigenous Child and Youth Health initiative in the Department of Pediatrics began as a collaboration with community partners in Treaty 6 Territory. It was inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the need to prepare future pediatricians to practice in ways that are relational, accountable, and culturally safe. This initiative builds on years of community engagement and represents a commitment to walking alongside Indigenous families and Nations to improve child and youth health outcomes.
Initiative Leadership and Contributors
Dr. Grant Bruno - Director of Indigenous Child Health
Dr. Bruno is nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) and a member of Samson Cree Nation. He is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Indigenous Child Health in the Department of Pediatrics and the Academic Lead for Indigenous Child Heath Research at the Women and Children's Health Research Institute. His research focuses on Indigenous child health, neurodiversity, and community-driven, ceremony-informed approaches to wellness. Dr. Bruno leads many of the department's efforts to create meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Nations and communities.
Alexi Pelly - Operations Assistant
Alexi is a member of Cote First Nation and has a background in graphic design as well as working as an educational assistant for a variety of neurodiverse children. She is an Operations Assistant in the Department of Pediatrics providing administrative support to Dr. Grant Bruno and others working on Indigenous child health initiatives. She contributes to operationalizing programs, events, and initiatives in the department of pediatrics and the wider community including the Indigenous Child & Youth Health Symposium.
Dr. Leona Makokis - Elder-in-residence
Dr. Leona Makokis is a nêhiyaw nôcikwesiw (Plains Cree woman Elder), a member of Kehewin Cree Nation, a Professor and Senate Member of nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak (University of Blue Quills). She is a nêhiyawêwin instructor who has dedicated her life to language revitalization. She is also a proud kôkôm (grandmother) and has spent decades advancing Indigenous education through a nêhiyaw lens. Through her teachings, she continues to nurture the next generation of nêhiyaw thinkers, knowledge keepers, and language speakers, guided by the principles of wâhkôhtowin (kinship/interconnectedness) and miyo pimâtisiwin (the good life).
Previous Community and Department Engagement and Events
Resident Orientation in Maskwacîs (2025)
For the first time, general pediatrics residents visited Maskwacîs as part of their orientation. They engaged Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to learn about Indigenous history, culture, and approaches to care. This experience emphasized the importance of building culturally safe practices early in training.
"When residents meet Elders at the start of their journey, it grounds their learning in respect, humility, and relationship." - Facilitator
Manaciso: Healing with Horses
In August 2025, the Department of Pediatrics and the Women and Children's Health Research Institute leadership, staff, and faculty were invited to participate in Manaciso: Healing with Horses in Maskwacîs. This innovative land-based program, co-led by Knowledge Keepers, uses the horse as a teacher and healer, helping participants reflect on relationality, balance, and connection.
Indigenous Child & Youth Health Symposium
The Indigenous Child Health Symposium, Our Children are Sacred: Weaving Culture, Community, and Clinical Care, took place on April 21. Attendees gathered to explore strategies for improving the health of Indigenous children and youth in today's evolving world. The program centred culture, community, and clinical care, and included keynote speakers Dr. Ryan Giroux and Dr. Tanelle Smith, as well as presentations and learning from Dr. Tibetha Kemble, Dr. Heather Dreise, Margaux Bruno, Keatton Tiernan, and Dr. Melissa Tremblay. The day also included an Indigenous youth panel, interactive activities, and opportunities for reflection, relationship-building, and shared learning.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities for Engagement
Recent Related Research & Programs
- Autism in Canada: Considerations for future public policy development
- Community-driven collective aims to learn from and empower Indigenous caregivers through research
- The Ispimihk Awâsisak Program
- Filling the Gap: Aiding in Transitions from Pediatric to Adult Care
- EDII (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization) in Health Professions Education
Resources & Further Reading
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
- National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health
- Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada
Contact Information
For more information about Indigenous Child Health initiatives in the Department of Pediatrics, upcoming events, or partnership opportunities, please contact: Dr. Grant Bruno: gcbruno@ualberta.ca