In December 2024, the Canadian Population Screening for Risk of Type 1 Diabetes (CanScreen T1D) team joined Diabetes Action Canada’s Indigenous Patient Circle (IPC) in Winnipeg for a P.A.T.H.™ exercise aimed at shaping the Indigenous-led research project.

February 5, 2025

The Indigenous Patient Circle members, Jon McGavock and Sasha Delorme at the P.A.T.H.™ exercise meeting in December 2024.
The Indigenous Patient Circle members, Jon McGavock and Sasha Delorme at the P.A.T.H.™ exercise meeting in December 2024.

In early December 2024, the CanScreen T1D ‘Self-determined Indigenous research about T1D screening’ project team members, Jon McGavock and Sasha Delorme, met with the IPC for a P.A.T.H.™ exercise in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The day started with a PowerPoint presentation that explained the main ideas for the Indigenous-led Type 1 diabetes (T1D) project. The group gathered in a circle, using the slides to guide an open conversation where everyone shared their thoughts and reflections, while a facilitator wrote down the key points of their discussion.

One of the main results produced from this meeting was the creation of an IPC Sacred Agreement, a partnership protocol (rules and guidelines) that explains the role of Indigenous ideas and values in this T1D research project to build stronger relationships for working together in the future.

Sasha Delorme and the Indigenous Patient Circle at the P.A.T.H.™ exercise meeting.
Sasha Delorme and the Indigenous Patient Circle at the P.A.T.H.™ exercise meeting.

Some of the key points outlined in the Sacred Agreement include:

  • Talking with respect, empathy, and kindness, especially when dealing with the challenges and misunderstandings about diabetes.
  • Using and supporting traditional medicines, land-based healing, smudging, prayers, and guidance from Elders in their practices.
  • Recognizing and respecting their roots, identity, and the people they represent in every interaction.

The team also did a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to help plan how to carry out the Indigenous-led project. This exercise helped them figure out the strengths they could use, weaknesses they needed to fix, opportunities for growth, and threats that might slow them down. The information from the analysis was important in setting clear goals for the project. The main goal of the SWOT exercise was to create a solid plan for the project, with specific objectives and strategies to help guide the team and make sure the project is successful.

Here is a look at their planned journey ahead:

The Indigenous-led research project roadmap outlines four key phases, each with specific priorities and action items for the CanScreen T1D team and the Indigenous Patient Circle.
The Indigenous-led research project roadmap outlines four key phases, each with specific priorities and action items for the CanScreen T1D team and the Indigenous Patient Circle. The suggested timelines may change based on the decisions of the teams involved.

The CanScreen T1D team and the IPC are excited to work together, aiming to reach their shared goals and include Indigenous perspectives in the design of the CanScreen T1D pilot (test) screening program. Please click here to view the full IPC Sacred Agreement and the IPC SWOT analysis report.

To find out more about our research efforts, please head to the Our Research page.

The P.A.T.H.™ exercise meeting was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Winnipeg, Manitoba is located on the ancestral territory of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and is the homeland of the Métis Nation. We acknowledge the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities, and commit to working towards reconciliation and fostering respectful relationships with the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of this region.