220 - "THE SPIRIT BEHIND THE HEARTBEAT": INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT IN CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH AND HEALTHCARE DELIVERY

Workshop Description: Join us for an enlightening workshop and panel discussion on the fundamentals of Indigenous engagement in cardiovascular health research and healthcare service delivery. The workshop will highlight the significance of considering Indigenous-specific perspectives in patient-oriented research and healthcare provision. Throughout the session, we will explore the fundamental differences between Indigenous and Western approaches to engagement, research and healthcare service delivery and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Central to the discussion will be the concept of etuaptmumk (Two-eyed Seeing), which emphasizes the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems with Western scientific perspectives. Our panel of experts, comprising Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Holders, individuals with lived and living experience of cardiac-related issues, and researchers and leaders in Indigenous health, will provide insights into this approach and offer practical guidance on its implementation in both research and practice settings.

The session will be interactive, allowing participants to engage with one another and directly with the panelists. Key areas to be covered include approaches to cultural humility, strategies for meaningful and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities and an introduction to the principles of Indigenous data sovereignty and governance. Moreover, the workshop will emphasize a wholistic approach to health and wellness, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn to recognize the structural barriers in the healthcare system that disproportionately affect Indigenous populations.

Resources will be provided to support trainees, early career researchers and healthcare practitioners in their journey towards more inclusive and culturally safe research and practice.

Interactive and Engagement Activities Description: The workshop will foster participant engagement through the following methods:
Audience Response System (ARS): Tools such as Mentimeter or any CCC-approved app will be integrated into presentations to actively involve the participants in the didactic portions of the workshop.

Breakout Sessions: Small group discussions will be used for deeper exploration into specific subject areas and elicit participant perspectives. The groups will be tasked with summarizing discussion highlights to share with the larger audience.

Q&A Sessions: Participants will be encouraged to interact with the panel of experts, posing questions during presentations and following the breakout sessions for further clarification and discussion.