Five Days in May

From participation to empowerment: What meaningful engagement in research really looks like
Date: May 1, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Meaningful engagement in health research is about more than just taking part — it’s about having a real say in decisions, ideas, and outcomes. Learn about First Nations-led wise practices in harm reduction, setting research priorities in mental health and substance use, and meaningful and culturally-safe engagement with Indigenous peoples.

Presenters:

• "Elevating First Nation-led wise practices in harm reduction: Community-driven methods and insights" Ashley Simpson, MPH; project director, Indigenous Harm Reduction Research, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA); Amiti Mehta, MPH; senior research coordinator, FNHA; Alya Govorchin, MSc, research analyst, FNHA.
• "Indigenous Protocols for Health Research and Evaluation: Building and Sharing Together" Magdalena Newman, MSc; manager, BC SUPPORT Unit Fraser Centre lead, Research and Engagement, Fraser Health.
• “Establishing a Patient-Centred Research Planning Committee to Inform Research Priority Setting in Mental Health and Substance Use” Leke Fowokan, lead, Clinical Research, Fraser Health.

Healthy aging: Building communities where seniors thrive
Date: May 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

This session highlights community‑based research that helps older adults live well, safely and independently. Presenters will explore social prescribing (which connects seniors to practical, non‑medical supports), friendly visitors for rural and remote seniors living with frailty and addressing dementia stigma in rural communities. Together, these projects emphasize supporting seniors, their caregivers and communities through prevention and connection.

Presenters:

• “Integrating Health and Social services through Social Prescribing,” Dr. Grace H Park, clinical research lead, Home and Community care, Fraser Health; Margaret Lin, registered nurse, MHLP, Project Leader, Home and Community Health-Regional, Fraser Health.
• “Thriving in Community,” Amy Salmon, PhD; Conconi Family Foundation Distinguished Scholar in Seniors Care, UBC; Scientist and Director, Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes; Clinical Associate Professor, UBC School of Population and Public Health.
• “Identifying Research Priorities to Reduce Dementia-Related Stigma in Rural Communities," Juanita-Dawne Bacsu, PhD; assistant professor, School of Nursing, Thompson Rivers University; Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier II in Nursing and Population Health.

10 Years in: What we’re learning from B.C.'s toxic drug response
Date: May 15, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

On April 14, 2016, the province of B.C. declared a public health emergency in response to the toxic drug supply. Ten years in, this panel discussion brings together people with lived experience, researchers, public health officers and community leaders. Join us as they reflect on the impact, gaps and contradictions between evidence, policy and practice. 

Panelists:

• Dr. Réka Gustafson, vice president, Population and Public Health and Chief Medical Health Officer, Island Health.
• Christopher Hauschild, peer researcher and operations coordinator, Walk With Me; MA Student, Global Leadership, Royal Roads University.
• Bernie Pauly, PhD; professor, School of Nursing; Scientist, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research; Community Engaged Scholar, University of Victoria.
• Dr. Sharon Vipler, MD, CCFP (AM), DRCPSC; UBC Clinical Associate Professor Program Medical Director; Regional Department Head, Addiction Medicine and Substance Use Services (AMSUS), Fraser Health.

Beyond brain injury: Rethinking diagnosis, support and recovery
Date: May 22, 2026
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

6,000 British Columbians suffer a brain injury every year. Learn from community-based research that’s shaping how brain injury is diagnosed, treated and supported across the province. From diagnosing brain injury in survivors of intimate partner violence to transforming community health services, these innovative projects are grounded in meaningful partnerships between people with lived experience and researchers.

Panelists:

• Jennifer Bellefontaine, Nurse Practitioner (Family), Embrace and HEAL Clinics, Fraser Health.
• "Community Brain Injury Service Integration Project: Partnerships in action to strengthen brain injury service provision" Kyla Gowenlock, director, Trauma Service Network, Interior Health; Tanya Zeron, project lead, Community Brain Injury Service Integration Project, Interior Health; Tori Stranges, academic partner, UBC Okanagan.

 Indigenous-led research: Reclaiming knowledge, re-defining health
Date: May 29, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join us for an Indigenous student panel showcasing research that's re-defining and renewing Indigenous health and wellness. Scholars will reflect on how their research is transforming health systems and metrics of wellness.

Presenters:

• "An exploration of the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer People" Andrew Caldwell, Interdisciplinary PhD Candidate, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Simon Fraser University.
• "Indigenous Women Leadership: Rooted in the Traditional Kinship of Auntie" Vanessa Mitchell, PhD Candidate, Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia.