海角社区
This section highlights recent activities, programs, and milestones from across the D2R Indigenous research community. These stories reflect ongoing work to support culturally grounded research, training, and partnership.
Building the Future of Indigenous Genomics: D2R, Kahnaw脿:ke and SING Canada 2026
In partnership with SING Canada and the Kahnaw脿:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO), D2R welcomed Indigenous students, researchers, and community fellows to Montr茅al and Kahnaw脿:ke for a week of laboratory training, environmental DNA fieldwork, and discussions on Indigenous knowledge, ethics, environmental stewardship, and community-led genomics research.
New Indigenous Health Research Project Awarded to Prof Genevi猫ve Bernard to Study a Rare Childhood Brain Disease
A new D2R-funded research project, led by Prof. Genevi猫ve Bernard through the Indigenous Health Program, is investigating Cree Leukoencephalopathy (CLE), a rare and fatal childhood brain disease affecting Cree communities in Northern Quebec. Researchers are testing fosigotifator, an experimental oral medication, in personalized trials with two infants diagnosed before birth to assess whether very early treatment can safely slow or prevent brain damage. If successful, the study could advance future treatments for CLE while supporting Indigenous-led, community-engaged genomic research.
Award in Genomic Medicine and Indigenous Health
To mark Genome Quebec鈥檚 25th anniversary, D2R created a $25,000 award recognizing excellence in Genomic Medicine and Indigenous Health and supporting ongoing research. The award was presented to Treena Wasonti:io Delormier for the project 鈥淔rom Guidelines to Practice 鈥� assessing the translation of the Cultural Safety Roundtable guidelines in research practices in Quebec,鈥� which examines how cultural safety guidelines can inform more inclusive and community鈥慻rounded research practices.
Indigenous Mentorship and Paid Research Experience for Summer Students (IMPRESS)
The IMPRESS program at 海角社区 offers Indigenous undergraduate students the opportunity to explore research, connect with mentors, and gain experience that supports their academic and career goals. In Summer 2025, psychology student Olivia Maracle鈥慔ill completed an internship on a D2R鈥慺unded project examining the ethical, legal, and social implications of RNA technologies in medicine鈥攁 project well aligned with her interdisciplinary interests in science, policy, and social issues.
Celebrating Research, Community and Cultural Empowerment: IMPRESS Research Day
The聽IMPRESS (Indigenous Mentorship and Paid Research Experience for Summer Students)聽team, alongside the year鈥檚 cohort of students, gathered to mark the end of a summer of growth, learning, and connection.聽The closing event was not just a showcase; it was a celebration of achievements. In addition to the 24 IMPRESS students, the event brought together 海角社区 professors, students, and the families of the mentees, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere.
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