The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) hosted the Transforming Pain into Power with sâkihitowin & âhkamêyimowin: Responding to High-Risk Substance Use Summit on April 28-29, 2026, at its Regina Campus.
The two-day gathering brought together Knowledge Keepers, Elders, students, academics, community leaders, and allies from across Turtle Island to engage in meaningful dialogue, cultural teachings, and collaborative approaches to addressing high-risk substance use.
The summit took place at a time when communities across Saskatchewan and beyond continue to respond to the impacts of high-risk substance use, highlighting the urgent need for culturally grounded, community-led approaches to healing.
Grounded in the Cree teachings of sâkihitowin (love) and âhkamêyimowin (perseverance), the summit centred Indigenous worldviews and lived experiences, emphasizing healing, resilience, and community-led solutions.
"At FNUniv, we are committed to creating spaces where Indigenous knowledge leads the way in addressing complex challenges facing our communities," said Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President of FNUniv. "Gatherings like this are essential to supporting healing, strengthening relationships, and advancing community-led solutions."
From opening and closing ceremonies to panel discussions and cultural teachings, the summit created space for reflection, connection, and shared learning.
"This summit was about more than gathering it was about creating a space where people could come together in a good way to share knowledge, support one another, and advance meaningful, community-led responses to substance use and healing," said Dr. Jessica Kolopenuk, Associate Vice President - Health and Research, FNUniv.
Throughout the gathering, speakers and participants emphasized the importance of addressing substance use through a holistic lens - one that recognizes the connections between mental health, community, culture, and lived experience.
"When we come together in a good way, with love and perseverance, that's where the healing begins. It's not just about the individual - it's about our families, our communities, and how we support each other moving forward," said Dennis Omeasoo, FNUniv Resident Elder and Indigenous Knowledge Keeper.
Held during FNUniv's 50th anniversary year, the summit reflected the University's ongoing commitment to advancing Indigenous-led research, education, and community engagement that supports healing and transformation.
For more information, visit: https://www.fnuniv.ca/transforming-pain-into-power-with-sakihitowin-ahkameyimowin/
For more information
1 First Nations Way
Regina Saskatchewan
Canada S4S 7K2
www.fnuniv.ca
