Over 800 Join IDHC to Reclaim Indigenous Wellness: 2026 Conference Highlights Cultural Roots in Diabetes Care
May 22, 2026
Over 800 Join IDHC to Reclaim Indigenous Wellness:
2026 Conference Highlights Cultural Roots in Diabetes Care
THOROLD, ON – May 11, 2026 – The Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC) is thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of its 2026 Annual Conference, held virtually on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1, 2026. Participants from 74 First Nations and 26 Ontario Friendship
Centres united to shift diabetes care from clinical-only models toward wholistic, ancestral wellness.
The two-day event, focused on Travelling the Journey to Wellness: New Journeys, New Possibilities” saw a massive turnout with 817 unique registrations, marking a significant, high-engagement gathering focused on Indigenous-led diabetes care.
The conference, which gathered health professionals, community members, and leaders from across Canada and internationally, saw 422 participants on Day 1 and 302 on Day 2. Attendees represented a diverse spectrum of expertise, including healthcare navigators, doctors, nurses, and dietitians, along with major Canadian and international academic institutions, such as Queens University, Brock University, McGill University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Toronto.
Key Highlights and Cultural Connection
Breaking the mold of typical virtual openings, the conference kicked off with an intimate video tour of the IDHC head office, led by CEO Godrihwasidso (Cayuga “Overseer”) Roslynn Baird.
This dynamic, “behind-the-scenes” welcome transported over 800 international attendees into the heart of IDHC, fostering a deep sense of community connection from the very first minute.
Major conference highlights included:
• Cultural Grounding: Respected Mohawk Elder Sakokwenionkwas (Tom Porter) of Kanatsiohareke leading powerful sessions on traditional storytelling and leading with a “Good Mind” to reclaim ancestral wellness.
• International Insights: Renowned Australian knowledge carrier Chris Lee sharing perspectives on diabetes stigma and community-led care.
• New IDHC programs and initiatives CKD Screening, Eye Screening, LLP, Type 1 Diabetes, Model of Care, Research Partnerships Diabetes Action Canada (DAC), Queen’s University, University of Toronto) “Our goal was to demonstrate the strength of IDHC’s work and draw awareness to new dimensions of our programming. IDHC’s Wholistic Model of Care prioritizes Indigenous ways of knowing and the promotion of wellness across mind, body and spirit” said Knowledge Manager, Jessica Pace.
“The energy and passion from attendees, even virtually, shows a strong desire among Indigenous community members to reclaim health and wellness.”
2026 Conference Success Metrics:
- Unique Registrations: 817
- Day 1 Attendees: 422 (peak participation)
- Day 2 Attendees: 302
- Theme: Reclaiming Wholistic Health/New Paths/New Possibilities
Focus on Future Generations
The conference showcased the IDHC Canoe Model of Care, which contextualizes the experience of the person living with, or at risk of, developing diabetes within an ecosystem that represents different pathways, supports and barriers to diabetes wellness. The model highlights the importance of self-determination, community and culture within the healthcare journey. The sessions highlighted how the community can break the cycle with diabetes community-led programs that honour culture, strengthen spirit and protect future generations from the impacts of Type 2 diabetes
Building on Momentum, 30 Years of Wellness in 2027
Following the overwhelming success of the 2026 Virtual Conference, IDHC is thrilled to announce its Annual Conference for 2027. This landmark year will celebrate IDHC’s 30-year anniversary. The 2027 conference will feature a hybrid format, blending the accessibility of virtual participation with the connection of an in-person gathering (location to be announced).
We invite all attendees, partners, and community members to save the date for this special gathering and to keep an eye on our IDHC website for updates.
About IDHC:
The IDHC delivers programs focusing on diabetes education, prevention and management in Indigenous communities in Ontario, both on and off reserve—serving First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities. Facilitating community capacity, building upon traditional strengths and supporting community-driven programming remain IDHC’s core focus. In 2027, the IDHC will have achieved 30 years of experience in Indigenous diabetes health promotion, including training and program development.
For more information about the conference or to access session resources, visit www.idhc.life.
For additional information, please contact initiative leader:
Jessica Pace, Knowledge Manager, Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle
C. 289-407-1033 E. jessicapace@idhc.life
Media Contact: Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle
yvetteamor@idhc.life