The intent of the Indigenous Perspectives on Life and Holistic Health (IPLHH) research cluster is to support research efforts pertaining to the interdependence of Indigenous peoples’ health and the health of the natural world from the perspective of Indigenous Elders. It aims to reshape mental health research by highlighting the connections between holistic wellness, cultural ways of life, and environmental sustainability for Indigenous Elders and their communities.
From a traditional Indigenous worldview, mental health and holistic wellness must be situated within a larger network of social relations that includes both the human and more-than human worlds. Community-based research with Indigenous Elders must focus beyond the individual and extend our understandings about health and wellness to that of living “in relation” to all else, not just for the present but for the future generations to come.
Angela McGinnis, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Regina
Noela Crowe-Salazar, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW; Doctoral Candidate; SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-D) 2022-2023 Recipient
Crowe-Salazar, N. (September 2020 – present). Visiting the traditional nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, and Métis life cycle teachings within Cowessess First Nation (tentative title). Faculty of Education, University of Regina (Supervisors: Dr. Angela McGinnis & Dr. Andrea Sterzuk). Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
McGinnis, A., Kincaid, A. T., Barrett, M. J., Ham, C., & Community Elders Research Advisory Group. (2019). Strengthening animal-human relationships as a doorway to Indigenous holistic wellness. Ecopsychology, 11(3), 162-173. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2019.0003
Crowe-Salazar, N. (2007). Exploring the experiences of an Elder, a psychologist and psychiatrist: How can traditional practices and healers complement existing practices in mental health? First Peoples Child & Family Review, 3(4), 83-95. https://fpcfr.com/index.php/FPCFR/article/view/63/101
For more information, contact Alli Allen, IPLHH Community Research Associate, at iplhhresearchcluster@gmail.com.
The CAH 2025-2026 Distinguished Public Lecture, "Don't Panic! It's Just Aging." with Dr. Sally Chivers of Trent University, is now available on our YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/rlf6kdKWszk
Our screening & panel discussion last night had an engaged audience as panelists discussed dementia care, opportunities & challenges.
Thanks to panelists @AlzheimerSK CEO Kaleta Strain, Santa Maria Exec Dir Kelly Chessie, and caregiver Don Ross for their time & valuable insights
Over 100 people attended the @UofRAgingCentre panel discussion on whether Canada can do better with dementia care. Thanks to the panelists Strain, Kelly Chessie and Don Ross.
TOMORROW!
Join us for "Dementia Care in Canada: Can We Do Better?", a public screening of documentary-style news segments on dementia and innovations long-term care, followed by a panel discussion and Q & A.
Thurs., March 19, 2026
6:30pm
Education Auditorium
Main U of R Campus
The U of R's Centre on Aging and Health will host, "Dementia Care in Canada: Can We Do Better?" for Brain Awareness Week on Thurs March 19 at 6:30pm!
Screening of documentary-style segments on dementia and innovations in long-term care, followed by a panel discussion with Q & A.
Education Auditorium
Main U of R Campus
Open to the Public. Free admission.
Free parking evenings after 5PM (in all surface Public, M and Z parking lots). Parking lots 3, 6 & 2 recommended (accessible parking available with permit). Time limits on parking apply (where signed).
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for the 2025-2026 Distinguished Public Lecture, "Don't Panic! It's Just Aging" with Dr. Sally Chivers of Trent University!
