Indigenous Health Innovations Recap

On Friday, November 28, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in partnership with the Bioscience Association of Manitoba, hosted its Indigenous Health Innovations conference at the RBC Convention Centre in downtown Winnipeg.

A Day of Diverse Perspectives on Health Innovation

The event, which began early Friday morning and lasted until the afternoon, was filled with a diverse selection of attendees from various industries including healthcare, traditional medicine, biotechnology, health policy, government, and much more. Many attendees flew in from across the country for the event.

Throughout the day, several presentations and panels were held covering important health innovations such as digital technology to improve access to medical care in remote communities, recent pharmaceutical developments in wound care, and reflections on the impact of colonial governance on the health of Indigenous communities.

Balancing Technology with Community Connection

Underlying the diversity of conversations was the recurring theme navigating the complex relationship between traditional medicine and technology. While certain panelists argued that technology can play an important role in reducing the gap in medical care between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, others emphasized the importance of community and connection.

A Commitment to Culturally Informed Healthcare

As the luncheon concluded, speakers emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Indigenous communities and industry leaders to ensure that new health technologies are designed with cultural awareness in mind. The conversations highlighted a shared commitment to fostering innovation that not only addresses immediate health challenges but also strengthens community self-determination in healthcare.

The ICC would like to thank all attendees, panelists, the RBC Convention Centre and its staff as well as the Bioscience Association of Manitoba for making this event possible. We look forward to seeing everyone again at our upcoming Toys & Ties event on December 10 at the Local Public Eatery!