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From October 9-11, 2024, the British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health  Research (BC NEIHR), in partnership with the NEIHR National Coordinating Center (NCC), hosted the National Gathering of Graduate Students (NGGS). The event was held at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in Vancouver, BC, located within the shared, unceded, ancestral territories  of the x史m蓹胃k史蓹蓹m (Musqueam), Sw w煤7mesh (Squamish), and s蓹lilw蓹ta涩 (Tsleil-Waututh)  Nations.

This annual event, hosted at a different region or territory each year, is a unique event focused on the development, training, and mentorship of Indigenous students across Canada. It is also an opportunity for Indigenous students to network, relationship-build, knowledge share, build capacity, and participate in cultural activities. The NGGS is meant to foster belonging and  support for Indigenous graduate students, as well as a place for skill and capacity building and knowledge transfer. By learning with and from other graduate students, Indigenous faculty, and allied scholars from across the country, the NGGS is a culturally relevant and scientifically rigorous meeting. This year NGGS was attended by 154 people, including students, scholars,  knowledge keepers, organizations, and healthcare staff from across Canada.

The event welcomed attendees with a reception at the Bill Ried Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. The gallery established in 2008, proudly celebrates Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and is the  sole public Gallery in Canada dedicated to the Northwest Coast. This provided a space to connect with other attendees in a culturally relevant and immersive experience. Each morning, the gathering commenced with opening prayers from Elder Glida Morgan (Tla鈥檃min First  Nation) and Elder Barbara Hulme (M茅tis Nation). To honour the incredible work of Indigenous  students, one full day was dedicated to graduate student presentations. These presentations are a wonderful representation of diverse research that is being carried out across the provinces. In addition to research presentations, attendees were able to watch several performances including Inuit throat singing from Lydia Etok and Nina Segalowitz, and dance performances from Coastal Wolf Pack (Tsatsu Stalqayu) and V'ni Dansi (traditional M茅tis dancers). Moving presentations were shared by keynote speakers Dr. Evan Adams (Tla'amin First Nation) and Dr. Shawn Wilson (Opaskwayak Cree Nation). Attendees were also offered the chance to participate in a land-based  tour provided by Talaysay Tours. The Talking Trees Tour took place in Stanley Park, allowing those who joined to connect with place-based knowledge while being led by an Indigenous  guide. 

The National Gathering of Graduate Students highlighted the increasing need and desire for  Indigenous-centered spaces. The event saw a record-high attendance of 154 participants, the overwhelming majority of whom shared positive feedback regarding the event. All forms of feedback will ultimately be used as guidance to inform future events and engagements moving forward. The BC NEIHR warmly thanks everyone for their meaningful participation and looks forward to organizing similar gatherings in the future. The next NGGS in 2025 will be hosted by the Alberta NEIHR.