Keynote speaker Holly Graham will discuss the role of racism, its negative impact on health outcomes of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, and how it creates barriers to equitable health care in an address at the Great Lakes Biennial Nursing Conference, Nov. 23 at the University of Windsor.

Hosted by Faculty of Nursing, the regional conference focuses on areas surrounding key health care issues, trends, and advancements in the nursing profession.

Dr. Graham is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Saskatchewan and a member of the Thunderchild First Nation.

The conference, held every two years, brings together nursing and medical professionals, health-care leaders, educators, researchers, clinicians, students, and alumni. Attendees can network and interact with more than 40 oral and poster presenters.

It is an opportunity to exchange knowledge, share research findings, and discuss nursing best practices, says conference chair Jody Ralph, associate professor of nursing.

“We’re very excited to have this conference back in person,” she says. “It’s an excellent platform because it explores how evidence-based practice can enhance patient care, impact decision-making, and address current challenges in nursing. Dr. Graham’s presentation will be a great example of that.”

Bev Jacobs, UWindsor senior advisor to the president on Indigenous relations and outreach, understands the impact of dialogue and awareness to improve health care for equity deserving groups.

“Conferences like these are vital because they highlight a main component of the healing process, and that is re-establishing trust between FNMI Peoples and health care providers and institutions,” say Dr. Jacobs.

The conference will be held Saturday, Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Vanier Hall.

More information is available on Faculty of Nursing website. Register today.