Indigenous Initiatives
Indigenous Canadians experience greater challenges living with spinal cord injury than the rest of the population. Praxis works with Indigenous and research communities to better understand these challenges and collaborate to find solutions.
Land Acknowledgement
Praxis Spinal Cord Institute would like to acknowledge that the land on which we are located is on the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the shared traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh, and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations.
Indigenous Engagement Statement
Praxis acknowledges that Indigenous people with SCI experience many unique issues and barriers, from diagnosis and medical care to support within the community. These issues are frequently unseen, unrecognized and unsupported by consultation, affirmative action, inclusion or respect for cultural and traditional ways of being.
Connecting the Indigenous SCI Community
Indigenous perspectives are critical to Praxis’ mission of improving quality of life and health outcomes of all individuals living with spinal cord injury. Indigenous Peoples’ Liaison Richard Peter is the lead on building relationships and collaborations with the Indigenous community. Richard is supported by a diverse, multi-disciplinary team at Praxis to connect with Indigenous individuals and organizations as well as SCI associations, health care providers, researchers and public policy decision makers to enable inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in SCI research and health care.
“As Indigenous Peoples’ Liaison, I connect the deep knowledge of Indigenous communities to SCI research and care. Building partnerships is key now – we’re all here to support one another. We can work together to build a better, a more fair future for Indigenous peoples and people with SCI.” – Richard Peter
Understanding SCI Research Through an Indigenous Lens
Praxis supports research that answers questions relevant to Indigenous populations and funds Indigenous health researchers working to address the unique needs of Indigenous populations.
Partnering to Support Indigenous Innovation
Praxis and the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology at the University of Waterloo offer an Indigenous SCI Grant for innovative projects that address the needs of the SCI population.
Fireside Chat on Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
Praxis hosted an intimate Fireside Chat facilitated by Praxis Indigenous Peoples’ Liaison Richard Peter to discuss some of the challenges Indigenous people with SCI face.
Watch Recording