Saskatoon introduces first chair in Indigenous health

Saskatoon officially has its first research chair in Indigenous health, Dr. Alexander King.

King hails from the Nipissing First Nation in Ontario and is considered a respected physician, medical researcher and teacher.

She also specializes in internal medicine with a focus on HIV and hepatitis C.

In her new role, King will be working toward understanding the health and wellness needs of Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan, as well as working on improving health outcomes.

"I think this is really critical for us as Canadians to be coming together and learning a lot more about Indigenous people, their history, their understanding of health and wellness and how we can be moving forward together," said King.

King was introduced to the public by members of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Royal University Hospital Foundation, the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine, government officials and partnering organizations Wednesday.

Vice-Chief Robert Mersaty of FSIN commended the partnerships that made this position possible.

"In this time of reconciliation and building integral sustainable partnerships, it is important that we not only build capacity within our communities, but also without our influential organizations," said Merasty in a news release.

King was welcomed into her new position as Cameco chair in Indigenous health during a ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

Cameco donated $1.5 million in 2006 toward creating the position, with RUHF contributing a $3-million endowment.