June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day generally takes place on the summer solstice. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.

June - National Indigenous History Month

During National Indigenous History Month, Canadians across the country are encouraged to participate in Indigenous-led events, activities, and learning opportunities to better understand the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities around them. Through storytelling, Pow Wows, and art exhibits, Indigenous communities give their non-Indigenous neighbours access and insights into their histories and tradit...

May 10 - Bear Witness Day 

Bear Witness Day is a reminder that First Nations children continue to experience inequities when accessing health, social, and educational services.

UNBC and the NCCIH extend partnership

The University of Northern British Colombia (UNBC) and the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to renew their decades-long collaboration.

May 5 - Red Dress Day

Red Dress Day provides the opportunity to raise awareness, show solidarity, and support efforts and movements to end violence related to Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

April 10 - National Indigenous Nurses Day

Canada’s National Indigenous Nurses Day, celebrated each year on April 10th, is a powerful celebration that honours the dedication, resilience, and cultural wisdom of Indigenous nurses across the country.  

March 31 - National Indigenous Languages Day

Canada’s National Indigenous Languages Day, held annually on March 31st, is a day to celebrate and honour the diverse Indigenous languages that form an important part of the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage.

ISC and NCCIH communicable disease prevention art galleries

The ISC and the NCCIH are pleased to announce the launch of five learning galleries, which are multimedia showcases of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artworks sharing grassroots perspectives on preventing communicable diseases.

Inuit resource booklets for parents and care-givers of children (0-6 years), additional dialects

The NCCIH is pleased to share two additional dialects for the Inuit booklets for parents and caregivers of children up to 6 years of age. Grounded in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, these resources give practical information to support parents in early childhood learning and healthy development, and ultimately to strengthen Inuit families and communities for generations to come.

Launch of the Manitoba First Nations and Metis Parenting Booklets

In celebration of National Child Day (November 20, 2017), Healthy Child Manitoba Office (HCMO), and the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) officially launched four new resources for First Nations and Metis parents and caregivers in Manitoba.

February 21 - International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day serves to recognize and further efforts to safeguard linguistic diversity, promote multilingualism, and enhance multilingual education.

January 4 - National Ribbon Skirt Day

Ribbon Skirt Day encourages Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people across Canada to wear their traditional regalia to honor their culture and showcase the strength, pride, and identity that these garments symbolize.

Indigenous early learning and child care knowledge resources

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH), with support from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), has developed a series of knowledge resources to inform and strengthen programs and policies designed to serve families with young children in First Nations communities.

Stories of our health: Perspectives of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth

Over 2025, the NCCIH undertook a national digital storytelling project, "Stories of our health: Perspectives of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth" to better understand what health and well-being mean to Indigenous young people.

Call for Advisory Committee members

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) is seeking new members to serve on its Advisory Committee. We invite expressions of interest from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals across Canada who are committed to improving public health and health equity for Indigenous Peoples. Please apply by December 8, 2025.

November 8 - National Indigenous Veteran’s Day

Throughout the history of the Canadian military, thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people have overcome significant barriers and systemic racism to proudly serve in the armed forces. On November 8th, communities gather to honour Elders who served, remember those who were lost, and pass down stories to younger generations.

NCCIH celebrates 20 years of “Remaining visionary”

On May 7th 2025, the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health held a 20th anniversary celebration in Prince George, BC, that brought together former and current leaders, Advisory Committee members, staff members, and representatives of organizations nationally and internationally that support and share the NCCIH’s vision.

Ongoing call for photographs: Help bring visibility to Indigenous health and well-being

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) is seeking photographs for use in upcoming knowledge products focused on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis health topics. There is no deadline for submissions.

Call for submissions - Zine art contest for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and youth

Call for submissions: Zine art contest for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and youth from the NCCIH and Birchbark Collaborative Inc. Submissions must be received by 6 pm PST on July 28, 2025 and prizes will be drawn at 12 pm PST on August 8, 2025.

Congratulations to Dr. Nyce as a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal

The NCCIH is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Deanna Nyce, a Tsimshian matriarch and the previous NCCIH Interim Academic Lead, as one of this year’s recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This medal commemorates a recipient’s significant contributions to Canada.

Indigenous physician and educator Dr. Terri Aldred appointed Academic Lead at the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health

A prominent First Nations physician, Dr. Terri Aldred, has been appointed Academic Lead for the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH). A member of the Tl’azt’en Nation north of Fort St. James in British Columbia, Dr. Aldred has served on the Advisory Committee of the NCCIH since May 2023.

Winners of the ISC and NCCIH communicable disease prevention art contest

We are pleased to showcase the winning artworks of the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) Communicable Disease Prevention Art Contest. We received 148 entries, and our panel of ISC, NCCIH, and community representatives selected these three entries as the contest winners.

ISC and NCCIH call for artworks - New deadline

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) are seeking artworks by Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous organizations to feature in upcoming communicable disease prevention and awareness campaigns, social media, key messaging and other resources.

Resources exploring the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indigenous peoples’ access to STBBI and related health services

Together, the National Collaborating Centres for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) and Infectious Diseases (NCCID), with the support of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), have produced a suite of knowledge products to enhance understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected access to STBBI and related health services, including harm reduction services, for First Nations peoples, Inuit, and Métis peoples...

The NCCIH is seeking an Indigenous Academic Lead

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health is seeking a visionary and results-oriented Indigenous leader to carry forward our work to strengthen public health systems and advocate for health equity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada.

The H.E.A.L. Healthcare Project

Starting from the premise that healthcare is both an art and a science, H.E.A.L. Healthcare uses poetry, storytelling, visual arts, and other creative tools to confront oppressive healthcare biases, to understand patient experiences, and to humanize healthcare systems and cultures.

National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health welcomes Elder to new advisory role

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health welcomes a distinguished First Nations Elder to the new role of Elder Advisor. Darlene McIntosh, a member of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation in B.C., will promote understanding of Indigenous culture, knowledge and protocols within the centre.

Indigenous educator Dr. Deanna Nyce appointed interim Academic Lead at National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health

Dr. Deanna Nyce has been appointed interim Academic Lead for the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH). The role includes leading the implementation of the centre’s strategic plan and providing guidance, mentorship, and direction to NCCIH staff, affiliates, and trainees.

Indigenous cultural safety - An environmental scan of cultural safety initiatives in Canada

Funded in part with contributions from Health Canada and Indigenous Services Canada, the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health completed an environmental scan to identify the diverse actions and initiatives implemented across Canada to improve access to culturally safe health services for Indigenous Peoples.

Inuit Day: Celebrating the language and culture of Inuit in Canada and internationally

Inuit Day was first celebrated on November 7th, 2006, when the General Assembly of the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) was instructed to “annually proclaim this day as Inuit Day and conduct appropriate ceremonies and celebrations”.

Canada’s journey of truth and reconciliation

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) joins other Indigenous organizations in honouring and remembering the survivors of residential schools as well as the children who never came home from them, and reflecting upon the on-going, intergenerational impacts of the schools on Indigenous individuals, families, and communities throughout the country.

Former Academic Lead Dr. Margo Greenwood elected Member of the RSC

Former Academic Lead of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) Dr. Margo Greenwood O.C. has been elected Member of the Royal Society (RSC) of Canada. She joins a cohort of 58 new College Members of the RSC chosen by their peers in recognition of outstanding scholarly, scientific, and artistic achievements.

Concepts of quality in First Nations early learning and child care

The NCCIH is seeking First Nations project participants from across Canada to share their insights and perspectives on matters related to the early learning and development of young First Nations children residing on reserve.

The NCCIH announces new Academic
Co-Leads

Dr. Sheila Blackstock and Dr. Daniel Sims, both Indigenous scholars and Associate Professors at the University of Northern British Columbia, will begin their new roles as Academic Co-Leads of NCCIH on February 1, 2023.

Farewell from NCCIH Academic Lead,
Dr. Margo Greenwood

Margo Greenwood bids farewell after two decades at NCCIH as she moves on to serve as an independent Senator for British Columbia.

Resources to support vaccine confidence among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people and communities

The NCCIH, in collaboration with the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID), has produced several resources to support vaccine confidence among First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and communities.

Dr. Margo Greenwood appointed as Senator

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, has appointed Dr. Margo Greenwood as an independent Senator, filling a vacancy for British Colombia.

New textbook's transformative narratives address coloniality in health care

A new undergraduate-level textbook offers a refreshing strengths-based approach that centres Indigenous voices and experiences for effective decolonization in health care.

University of Northern British Columbia institutes working to increase safety and respect for Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s health systems

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) and the Health Arts Research Centre (HARC), both housed at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), are receiving new funds to support health care professionals to address anti-Indigenous racism, practise in anti-oppressive ways, and foster cultural humility.

NCCIH Research Associate Dr. Viviane Josewski awarded Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health Fellowship

The CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health (IIPH) has awarded Dr. Viviane Josewski a three-year research Fellowship. Dr. Josewski’s work will focus on “co-creating a collective vision for mental wellness and resilience with urban Indigenous communities.”

Dr. Margo Greenwood appointed interim scientific director of CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health

Dr. Margo Greenwood, academic leader of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH), has been appointed interim scientific director of the CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health for a term of three years.

NCCIH contributes to a major national report on climate change

The NCCIH has contributed a chapter to Health Canada's recent study on the current and projected risks from climate change to the health of Canadians.

NCCIH Academic Leader appointed to the Order of Canada

On December 29, 2021, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced the appointment of Dr. Margo Greenwood as an Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.).

A Vision for the Future: First Nations, Inuit and Métis Population and Public Health

Visioning the Future: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Population and Public Healthreveals a pathway to a healthy tomorrow by addressing population and public health challenges for Indigenous Peoples in several areas: the environment; infectious diseases; data and governance; mental wellness; and social determinants of health.

An open letter to healthcare workers from the NCCIH

In this open letter, the NCCIH expresses its support and solidarity with healthcare workers and patients accessing healthcare. In the words of BC's Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, we must "be kind, be calm, and be safe" as we weather the fourth wave of this pandemic.

Launch of a parenting guide for First Nations, Inuit and Metis families in Manitoba

Parenting in the Present: A resource for First Nations, Inuit and Metis parents and caregivers of children aged 6-12 years in Manitoba, offers culturally appropriate support for First Nations, Inuit and Metis parents and caregivers of children aged 6-12 years.

New funding in support of NCCIH’s cultural safety resource collection

The NCCIH is pleased to announce that it will be receiving new public funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the B.C. government to grow the first-ever collection of cultural safety and Indigenous-specific anti-racism tools and resources.

Closing the Gaps for Indigenous Peoples

The NCCIH takes a closer look at the federal budget that commits to $18 billion in spending over the next five years for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

Vaccine Mistrust: A Legacy of Colonialism

Acknowledging and supporting Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination – the right to choose – is a critical step in addressing COVID-19 vaccine mistrust.

Supporting vaccine confidence in Indigenous peoples

These five fact sheets help support vaccine confidence amongst First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and communities. Additional links to video and trusted web sites on vaccines are provided in each of the fact sheets.

NCCIH Media Release - January 14, 2021

The NCCIH and Northern Health BC have jointly launched a short animated video to draw attention to the ongoing issue of stigmatization experienced by Indigenous people in the health care system.

NCCIH Media Statement

The release of Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond's report "In Plain Sight" is a call to action to address racism directed at Indigenous people as a national health crises, says NCCIH Academic Leader, Margo Greenwood.

NCCIH Virtual Series

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) is pleased to present a four-part virtual series that will look at First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and communities’ experiences with COVID-19.

NCCIH selected as Common Vision Champion

The NCCIH has been selected as a Common Vision Champion. The goal of the NCCIH’s project as Champion is to facilitate cross-sector partnerships and collaboration to help collectively guide planning and implementation of integrated approaches to promote healthy living, including increased physical activity in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

CPS Module Launch

The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) has launched a revised Indigenous Child and Youth Health Curriculum. The revised curriculum is based on a culmination of feedback from paediatric faculty, learners and expert reviewers.

NCCIH Media Statement

The government of British Columbia has opened an investigation into reports that BC emergency room health professionals played ‘guessing games’ about the blood alcohol content of Indigenous patients. This kind of discriminatory behaviour needs to stop, right now. Then, we must figure out how to prevent this from ever happening again.

NCCIH Indigenous Health Researchers Database

The Indigenous Health Researchers Database was created to help identify researchers with expertise in a wide variety of topics related to the health of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) peoples in Canada. Originally compiled in 2014, and available as a PDF, Aboriginal Health Researchers at Canadian Universities became a digitized online resource in 2017. To ensure the database remains a relevant,...

Same centre - new name!

As of May 30th, 2019, the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) will officially adopt a new name, the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH). While ‘Aboriginal’ is an umbrella term which often homogenizes the diversity of Indigenous populations in Canada, the term ‘Indigenous’ is considered is to be more respectful as it acknowledges Indigenous pe...

A fourth forum on Indigenous determinants of health

A short narrative report, and companion digital video, of the fourth and final NCCAH forum with national Indigenous organizations on the social determinants of Indigenous Peoples’ health, held November 28 and 29, 2017, in Ottawa, Ontario. This forum, “Nakistowinan (Stop In) – Pimicisok (Stock Up) – Kapesik (Stay Over)”, focused on the TRC’s Calls to Action towards reconciliatio...

Launch of the BC First Nations and Métis parenting booklets

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) are pleased to re-launch four resources for First Nations and Métis parents and caregivers in British Columbia.

The Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework

The NCCIH is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Margo Greenwood as a member of a new Federal Government Expert Panel on Early Learning and Child Care Data and Research, announced by Employment and Social Development Canada in a press release, June 4, 2019.

NCCIH partners on a SSHRC/CIHR five-year initiative

The National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) is a major partner on a new five-year initiative entitled, "Cultural Agility in Northern BC’s Healthcare System: Increasing Indigenous Employment Participation and Responsiveness to Indigenous Well-being", launched October 1, 2018 at the Two Rivers Gallery in Prince George, BC.

Challenges in health equity for Indigenous peoples in Canada

In their commentary on two papers in the Lancet’s Series on Canada, authors Greenwood, de Leeuw and Lindsay draw attention to the persistent health inequities experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, despite Canada’s commitment to addressing health equity both domestically, through its universal healthcare system, and internationally.

Land, Family and Identity: Contextualizing Metis health and well-being

Dr. Brenda Macdougall's report weaves together a timeline of Metis in Canada, highlighting how kinship, culture, sovereignty and governance are critical to Metis identity and to their health and well-being.

Canadian Family Physician Cover Stories 2017

Dr. Sarah de Leeuw has been writing a series of monthly cover stories for Canadian Family Physician (CFP) since 2016. These stories feature anecdotes and real world examples of initiatives being undertaken by physicians across Canada who are making a difference in how health care services and programs are delivered, especially in rural, remote, northern and Indigenous communities.

The NCCIH launches new web site!

The National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) is very pleased to announce the launch of our new and improved web site. The Aboriginal Health Researchers at Canadian Universities resource has now been digitized and is available as a searchable feature on the new web site.

mite achimowin - Heart Talk

The mite achimowin (Heart Talk): First Nations Women Expressions of Heart Health study received funding from the CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research; Aboriginal People’s Health Institute) and SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council) through the Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network in partnership with Nanaandawewigamig.

Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: What Inuit have always known to be true

Short videos are now being produced by the NCCAH as part of the series, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: The role of Indigenous knowledge in supporting wellness in Inuit communities in Nunavut. The first of these videos, "Rhoda’s Dream: Burying the Baby", is now complete.

Canadian Family Physician Cover Stories 2016

In 2016, Dr. Sarah de Leeuw wrote a series of monthly cover stories for Canadian Family Physician. These stories feature anecdotes and real world examples of initiatives being undertaken by physicians across Canada who are making a difference in how health care services and programs are delivered.

Review of Core Competencies for Public Health

The National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) is pleased to announce the release of the Review of Core Competencies for Public Health: An Aboriginal Public Health Perspective. In this report, Dr. Sarah Hunt reviews and analyzes the seven categories and appendices of the 2007 Public Health Agency of Canada’s Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada 1.0 within an Aboriginal public healt...

Aboriginal Peoples and Historic Trauma

The National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) explores the ongoing and devastating impacts of this accumulated trauma on the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities, and presents one model for healing through two reports.

Global Child Initiative

The National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health is pleased to announce its support for a new initiative focusing on the rights of Indigenous children. The Global Child Initiative focuses on the development of indicators to help governments monitor and report on the rights of children around the world, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

The NCCIH Celebrates 10 Years!

The National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) proudly celebrates a successful decade of knowledge sharing about Indigenous peoples’ and public health in Canada.

An Introduction to the Health of Two-Spirit People

Two-Spirit is a term that encompasses a broad range of sexual and gender identities of Aboriginal peoples, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ).

Family is the Focus

The NCCAH is pleased to share the summary report and accompanying DVD from the final national gathering, "Family is the Focus". Taking place on the traditional territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam Peoples in Vancouver, British Columbia from February 18-20, 2014, participants from across Canada were joined by speakers from New Zealand and the United States. This proceedings report also include...

Anti-Indigenous racism in Canada

This series of three fact sheets focuses on racism experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada – how to understand it in historical context, how it affects individuals and communities, and what programs, policies and strategies exist to combat it.

Incredible resiliencies of Indigenous health

When Determinants of Indigenous Peoples’ Health in Canada: Beyond the Social was released in 2015, it was a first in the field of public health: a book about the health of Indigenous peoples written primarily by Indigenous authors, reflecting a diverse range of Indigenous perspectives, and taking into account a wide array of topics relevant to the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples. The book was ta...