Annual Mentorship Gathering 2026
- Dates: June 4 to 7, 2026
- Location: Animikii-Wiikwedong (Thunder Bay), Ontario, at Lakehead University
Event Overview
IPAC Annual Mentorship Gathering and AGM 2026
Theme: Leading Together with Love
IPAC’s Annual Mentorship Gathering and AGM will take place June 4 to 7 in Animikii-Wiikwedong (Thunder Bay), Ontario, on the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation, and will be hosted at Lakehead University in partnership with NOSM University.
The Gathering brings together Indigenous medical students, residents, and physicians, including members and those who may be joining for the first time. It is a chance to strengthen mentorship and leadership, and to share stories from professional, medical, academic, and life journeys.
Attendees will take part in academic sessions, cultural teachings, and networking experiences that honour Indigenous excellence in medicine.
Agenda and Registration
Agenda
View the agenda for the IPAC Annual Mentorship Gathering and join conversations and teachings that cultivate leadership, mentorship, and shared growth.
Registration
Register to attend the IPAC Annual Mentorship Gathering and be part of a meaningful space for mentorship, connection, and community.
Gathering Highlights
Each year, the Annual Mentorship Gathering creates space for moments grounded in love, connection, and community. From mentorship and learning to laughter and ceremony, these highlights offer a glimpse into what makes this gathering so meaningful.
Welcoming Reception
A warm opening to connect with members, build relationships, and set the tone for the gathering.
Keynote: Beyond Survival Cultivating Joy, Strength, and Connection in Medicine
Dr. Becky Neckoway is a First Nations physician from Thunder Bay with roots in Eabametoong First Nation and Fox Lake Cree Nation. Through her keynote, Beyond Survival: Cultivating Joy, Strength, and Connection in Medicine, explores what it means to move beyond survival in medicine and toward practices grounded in joy, strength, and relationship.
Incorporating Traditional Medicine & Practice
Join Karenna’onwe Dr. Karen Hill, a Mohawk physician from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, and Dr. Don Wilson, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation, for a focused session on integrating Traditional Medicine within contemporary healthcare.
Dr. Hill and Dr. Wilson will share insights on how Indigenous healing practices, grounded in culture and the natural world, can complement and strengthen Western medical approaches. This session will explore ways of bringing Indigenous knowledge and Western medicine together to support holistic care, respect for the land, and a deeper understanding of health and wellness.
Breakout Sessions
Breakout sessions will offer a mix of cultural and leadership-focused learning. Sessions will explore tools for thriving in leadership and the risk and reward about returning to your community, alongside Métis teachings and hands-on cultural experiences such as beading, powwow fitness, and Inuit games.
Banquet, Graduation Ceremony, and IPAC Awards
A warm and celebratory space where we lift up the accomplishments, strengths, and contributions of our members at every stage of their medical journey.
The evening will also include a graduation celebration honouring Indigenous medical students in the Class of 2026 and celebrating our IPAC Award recipients.
Comedian Todd Genno will bring laughter and stories that celebrate community and culture.
Day on the Land
A day grounded in culture, learning, and community connection. We will gather on the land at Anemki Wajiw to take part in cultural teachings and shared activities, and spend time with local Indigenous artisans who will be offering their creations and stories.
Accomodations
A room block is reserved at the Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre (1 Valhalla Inn Road, Thunder Bay).
If the IPAC room block is full, accommodations may still be available at the Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre. Shuttle service will be provided between the Valhalla Inn and Lakehead University.
Other nearby options include:
Comfort Inn Thunder Bay
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Thunder Bay
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay
Sponsors
We invite you to partner with IPAC as a sponsor and support meaningful impact in Indigenous health and wellness. Your sponsorship advances the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.