Denise McDonald, a Gwich’in Knowledge Holder from Inuvik, leads research and community-based initiatives that explore the relationship between traditional art practices, such as beading and sewing, and holistic wellness. Her work highlights the power of arts-based and land-based methods as tools for healing, intergenerational learning, and cultural continuity. Through these approaches, Denise promotes community wellness and cultural revitalization while creating opportunities for students and emerging researchers to learn from and contribute to Indigenous methodologies. Students engage with her work through research collaborations, mentorship, and thesis projects that focus on the role of traditional art in mental, emotional, and community wellbeing.

Francois Paulette brings a deep knowledge of the land and water, and his work focuses on the impacts of climate change on northern environments and communities. Through his teachings and mentorship, he supports students and researchers in understanding the connections between environmental change, health, and cultural knowledge, creating opportunities for learning grounded in respect for the land.

John B Zoe shares extensive knowledge of Tłı̨chǫ governance, culture, and relationships to the land, with a focus on strengthening food security through traditional knowledge. His work highlights how Tłı̨chǫ ways of knowing can inform sustainable approaches to health and well-being. Through mentorship and dialogue, he supports students and researchers in understanding how Tłı̨chǫ values and land-based practices can guide research that supports community resilience and food sovereignty.

Inuk Elder Rassi Nashalik contributes her deep knowledge and experience to research focused on Inuit maternal and child well-being. Her work emphasizes community-driven approaches to birthing in Inuit Nunangat, grounded in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) and ways of knowing. Through mentorship and collaboration, Elder Nashalik guides graduate students and early career researchers in culturally safe, relational, and strength-based practices that supports Inuit baby and mothers’ well-being.

Throughout the year, NT NEIHR Elders engage with graduate and summer students by aligning meetings with gatherings, conferences, and training opportunities. Elders attend events such as Aurora College’s Nursing Research Day and the ICHR Summer Student Orientation Week to share teachings, provide mentorship, and connect with students in culturally grounded settings.

• December 2–3, 2024: NT NEIHR Elders met with graduate students during the “College/ICHR Gathering,” where students shared their research and received feedback and support.
• June 2–6, 2025: Students participated in the ICHR Summer Student Orientation Week in Yellowknife, which included Elder teachings, a Legislative Assembly tour, and a beading workshop with Gwich’in Knowledge Holder Denise McDonald.
• Upcoming – December 2–3, 2025: Elders will join Aurora College’s Nursing Research Day to share insights, connect with students, and continue building relationships between generations.

Each year, the NT NEIHR supports graduate students from the Northwest Territories and Yukon to attend the National Gathering of Graduate Students (NGGS)—a national event hosted collaboratively by the NEIHR network across Canada. The Gathering brings together Indigenous graduate students, Elders, and mentors from all regions to share research, build relationships, and engage in dialogue on Indigenous health and wellness. Through this event, students connect with Elders and Knowledge Holders who provide cultural grounding and mentorship, strengthening their research through relational and community-based approaches.

Nihkhah, meaning “gathering” or “together” in Teetl’it Gwich’in, celebrates Indigenous foodways as a bridge between culture, wellness, and community. Founded by Chef Stephanie Baryluk and Sid Mehta, the program brings youth and Elders together to learn, share, and reflect through food, storytelling, and traditional teachings.

Workshops:

1. Youth Culinary Training & Indigenous Food Entrepreneurship
   Youth learn to prepare culturally rooted dishes using traditional and modern Indigenous ingredients while exploring stories and innovations from Indigenous food entrepreneurs.
2. Youth Cultural Roundtable: Food, Identity & Futures
   A dialogue circle that brings youth, Elders, and community leaders together to explore food as a pathway to identity, connection, and leadership.
3. Storytelling & Knowledge Sharing Toolkit
   A creative resource compiling stories, recipes, and reflections from participants to share Indigenous food knowledge and inspire future learning.

Voice of Denendeh project by Gerry Antoine was created to share and preserve Dene stories, teachings, and voices through a new radio and video podcast series. The project builds on Gerry’s earlier work with Dene in the City on CKLB Radio, expanding it into a living archive where Elders, youth, and community members come together to speak about Dene ways of life, family, and connection to the land.

Through storytelling, conversation, and music, Voice of Denendeh aims to inspire Dene youth to reconnect with their roots and strengthen their identity. The podcast will be broadcast on CKLB 101.9 FM and shared online, making Dene knowledge accessible to listeners across Denendeh and beyond.

Gwich’in Knowledge Holder Denise McDonald of Inuvik, Northwest Territories leads the annual Gwiizrii Gijiint’aih (Do Your Best) Gathering, which brings together Indigenous youth, Elders, master sewers, beaders, and Knowledge Holders to reconnect with ancestral teachings through art, storytelling, and land-based learning. Rooted in the Gwich’in principle of “doing your best,” the gathering provides mentorship and learning opportunities for students and youth, helping them develop skills in beading, sewing, porcupine quillwork, and medicine preparation. Participants create personal and collective art pieces that reflect their journeys of cultural reclamation, resilience, and learning, while strengthening intergenerational ties and celebrating the enduring strength of Indigenous knowledge.

Project Leads: Anita Daniels-Black and Dr. Sophie Roher
NT NEIHR recognizes the unique needs for CBR training in the Northwest Territories. Under the direction of an advisory committee we will build curriculum, implement training and create toolkits that support northern communities.