$5 Million Gift Establishes Circle for Indigenous Health Research and Innovation at NOSM University

NOSM University announces a $5 million transformational gift to advance Indigenous health equity through the creation of the Circle for Indigenous Health Research and Innovation, housed within the Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity.

This investment reflects a commitment to advancing Indigenous health equity across Northern Ontario by supporting Indigenous leadership, knowledge systems, and community-driven approaches to research, education, and innovation. Grounded in the priorities and strengths of Indigenous Peoples, the Circle will foster Indigenous-led work that responds to Northern realities and supports the conditions that sustain health and wellbeing. The work recognizes the importance of place, relationship, and self-determination, and responds to longstanding calls for Indigenous leadership in health research, policy, and medical education.

“This remarkable gift allows NOSM University to take an important step forward in advancing reconciliation and health equity,” says Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO. “We are incredibly grateful to these donors for their trust in NOSM University and for supporting this important mission.”

The $5 million donation was made by anonymous donors whose generosity supports Indigenous-led solutions that improve health outcomes across Northern Ontario and advances equity, accountability, and reconciliation.

Guided by Indigenous partners and working closely with the Indigenous Affairs Office, the Circle will serve as a community-driven catalyst, empowering Indigenous-led research, education, advocacy, and transformative health system initiatives that honour the knowledge, priorities, and aspirations of Northern Ontario’s Indigenous communities.

Through the Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity, the Circle will bring together Indigenous health organizations, Elders, community leaders, researchers, learners, and faculty.

“The Circle is grounded in Indigenous leadership and community governance, ensuring that community voices and priorities guide the work from the outset. This investment strengthens our ability to create lasting change across the North,” says Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Associate Vice President, Equity and Inclusion at NOSM University.

Director of the Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity, Dr. Erin Cameron notes the long-term significance of the gift. “This funding is about building the relationships, capacity, and accountability needed to build structures to support genuine research partnerships and collaboration. Supporting Indigenous-led research and innovation means investing in the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples and communities in the North for generations to come.”

A key initiative of the Circle will be the planning of an Indigenous Health Gathering in 2026, bringing together Indigenous leaders, Elders, health-care providers, researchers, and learners to share knowledge, set priorities, and strengthen partnerships, with reporting back to participating communities.

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About NOSM University
NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose-built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the people of Northern Ontario to educate health-care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote, and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.

About the Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity
The Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health is a multidisciplinary centre of NOSM University dedicated to the improvement of health and wellness in Northern Ontario. Through policy leadership and advocacy, research and innovation, and education that better aligns medical training with community needs, the Centre is becoming a frontrunner in the improvement of sustainable equity, access, and population health outcomes. The national and international relevance of the Centre’s work will become recognized as its results are dispersed among practitioners, policy makers, and advocates in similarly challenged jurisdictions.

For further information, please contact:
NOSM University
Phone: 807-766-7535
Email: news@nosm.ca