NOSM University and Lakehead University Co-host Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada Gathering

The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) hosted its 35th Annual Mentorship Gathering from June 4–7, 2026, in Thunder Bay (Animikii-Wiikwedong), on the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation. Proudly cohosted by NOSM University and Lakehead University, this national Gathering brought together approximately 250 Indigenous physicians, residents, and medical students from across Canada.

IPAC’s Annual Mentorship Gathering is a cornerstone event that strengthens community, fosters collaboration, and advances Indigenous health by connecting learners and physicians at all stages of their medical journeys. This is the first time the Gathering has been hosted in Thunder Bay.

Guided by the theme “Leading Together with Love,” the gathering created a space for mentorship, leadership development, and cultural connection. Participants engaged in academic sessions, cultural teachings, and networking opportunities that celebrated Indigenous excellence in medicine and supported the next generation of Indigenous health-care leaders.

Highlights include contributions from two of the host universities’ alumni. Dr. Becky Neckoway, an alumna of both NOSM University and Lakehead who has worked in Indigenous health for 11 years, will deliver the keynote, and Dr. Elycia Monaghan, a NOSM University alumna and current medical resident at Dalhousie University, will facilitate the Gathering’s first Inuit Games session. The Gathering also proudly celebrated the accomplishments of 60 new Indigenous MDs from communities across Canada.

The Gathering marked a special day on the land at Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay), located on Fort William First Nation. “It is a sacred place where the Thunderbird rests, and we have the honour to welcome guests to the traditional territory of the Robinson-Superior Treaty in a good way,” said Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion at NOSM University.

Elders and Knowledge Carriers helped create a safe and supportive space for all participants and provided guidance and cultural teachings. On the land, they facilitated sharing circles and offered traditional teachings, grounding the gathering in respect, connection, and community. It was the largest group of Elders and Knowledge Carriers to ever attend an IPAC Gathering.

“It was an honour to welcome Indigenous physicians and medical learners to Thunder Bay,” said Dr. Michael Green, NOSM University President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO. “Hosting gave us an opportunity to highlight the strength and richness of the Indigenous medical community in Northern Ontario and to connect NOSM University learners, physicians, and Knowledge Carriers with peers from across Canada. It was a unique opportunity to foster mentorship and strengthen relationships that support Indigenous medical education and health.”

“Lakehead University was honoured to partner with NOSM University and the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada to welcome Indigenous physicians, residents, and medical learners from across the country to Thunder Bay,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, Lakehead University’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “Gatherings like this strengthen the relationships, mentorship networks, and educational pathways that help Indigenous learners thrive. We are especially proud to celebrate Indigenous leaders such as Dr. Becky Neckoway, whose journey from Lakehead University to a career in Indigenous health demonstrates the impact that community, education, and mentorship can have in shaping the future of health care in Canada.”

“We are deeply grateful to NOSM University and Lakehead University for their partnership in hosting this year’s Annual Mentorship Gathering. Their commitment to advancing Indigenous health and medical education makes this gathering possible and reflects the kind of collaboration needed to support Indigenous learners and physicians across the country,” says Melanie Osmack, Executive Director, Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada.

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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.

For further information, please contact news@nosm.ca.

About Lakehead University

Lakehead University is where ambition meets opportunity and where a degree leads to real-world impact. Known for small class sizes, hands-on learning, and unparalleled undergraduate research opportunities, Lakehead has earned national and international recognition for our student-focused approach–including being named Ontario’s #1 primarily undergraduate university by Maclean’s magazine in 2025, and ranked by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings as the top university in North America (under 10,000 students) for our commitment to sustainability and social justice.

With campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia–and a new STEM Hub opening in Barrie in 2026–Lakehead offers a vibrant, close-knit, nature-rich environment for learning where students enjoy a uniquely balanced and enriching university experience. With more than 65 career-focused programs, Lakehead is a training ground for future leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—graduates who think critically and drive meaningful impact in their communities and around the world.

For further information, please contact mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca or call 807-343-8944.

About the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada

The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) is a national, Indigenous-led organization that supports and advocates for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis medical learners and physicians. IPAC is committed to advancing Indigenous health and wellness, increasing the number of Indigenous physicians, and promoting culturally safe care within the healthcare system. Through mentorship, advocacy, education, and community-building, IPAC works to address systemic barriers and improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.