WICC 2019 showcased an outstanding scientific program focused on Indigenous cancer research, with seven plenary sessions that included topics of community priorities in cancer research, surveillance, genomics, tobacco, survivorship, leadership in cancer research with Indigenous people, and for the first time a panel with speakers from Pan American and Circumpolar countries. A special Lunchtime Speaker Series featuring international and national Indigenous health research experts focused on conference themes on each day of the conference and an additional five sessions with presentations from more than 100 researchers were spread throughout the program. An interactive poster session was held with prizes for research excellence going to researchers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada. 

Pre-Conference

The pre-conference was a key part of WICC’s Indigenous knowledge and cultural programming. Delegates from Canada and beyond were provided with the opportunity to participate in show casing traditional Indigenous knowledge-based research and cultural activities. It was anticipated knowledge exchange and transfer would include traditional knowledge and teaching sessions and ceremony. Taking place on Treaty 7 and Métis Nation Zone 3 territory in the heart of Calgary. First Nations, Inuit and Métis Elder /Knowledge Holders led Nation and/or community sessions based on their own cultures. These pre-conference events grounded the conference that followed in Indigenous contexts and provide delegates with a rich experience grounded in Indigenous knowledge, ceremony & culture that touches the human spirit in a way delegates did not forget!

Gala

First Nations, Inuit and Métis demonstrated the resiliency of their peoples through traditional celebrations that included drumming, dancing, and singing. The AFNIGC–WICC Gala was a meaningful experience for attendees with an inspirational story shared by Darrell Fox from the Terry Fox Research Institute & Terry Fox Foundation and with music performed by internationally recognized entertainers Susan Aglukark and Buffy Saint-Marie. During the Gala opening, closing and throughout the evening, First Nations, Inuit and Métis dance and song troupes made the evening a spectacular event.

Cultural Teachings & Sharing Sessions

Cultural programming for this conference occurred in parallel to the scientific program. Elder/Knowledge Holders carried out their sessions alongside the schedule of speakers presenting in 5 concurrent sessions. Over the 3-day conference program, these sessions included opportunities for cancer survivors from across the globe to share their stories in the safe space created and provided by a team of Elder/Knowledge Holders.

Elder/Knowledge Holder Key Messages & Themes

Elder/Knowledge Holders (15) from across Canada made up the 2019 WICC Traditional Indigenous Research Knowledge and Cultural Programming Committee. Recognizing the opportunity to host the world on a topic of significance for FNIM peoples, the activities planned by this committee during the conference included dialogue to determine key messages that could be presented at the Post-Conference. Spiritual leaders in attendance from other countries were invited to join in these conversations. Graduate research students in Indigenous health were on hand to support Elder/Knowledge Holders in determining their themes and priorities for cancer research with Indigenous peoples.

Media from WICC 2019