Visit the IHNR webpage here.

We are calling for abstracts for the 5th Indigenous Nursing Research Leadership Summit 2026 on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples Also known as Victoria, British Columbia.

The Summit brings together vibrant Indigenous nursing leaders, and communities in their pursuit of self-determined health and well-being. The Summit aims to share research findings and approaches that address the collective wellness and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples globally, including but not limited to First Nations, Inuit, Métis Nurses in Canada, Māori nurses in Aotearoa, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses in Australia, and American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Indigenous Peoples in the US. The Summit enables Indigenous nurses, healthcare workers, community knowledge holders, and researchers to connect, network, share, and inspire the next generation of Indigenous nursing researchers, scientists, and leaders. We envision rich discussions about the generation of new evidence and actions that impact Indigenous wellbeing and healthy futures. Specific outcomes include providing opportunities to learn from each other and networking with researchers actively working to improve the health and lives of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Nurses, faculty, community members, and postgraduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to submit abstracts for review.

We are inviting abstracts for in-person and poster presentations that centre's Indigenous health research and weave in Indigenous knowledge, practices, and wisdom that informs transformative praxis, in education, policy and research. Presenters will share knowledge, lived experiences, resources and strategies in a collaborative and cross-sectoral forum about Indigenous nursing led research

1) Any research related to the health and wellbeing and healthcare spectrum conducted with First Nations, Inuit, Métis Nurses in Canada, Māori nurses in Aotearoa, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses in Australia, and American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Indigenous Peoples in the US.

OR

2) Indigenous nurse led research methodologies that aim to get our Indigenous stories and realities right or applying Indigenous research and transformative praxis.

OR

3) Research conducted with other (non-Indigenous, non-Native) underserved groups or on an under-researched phenomenon – note, these abstracts must address how the approach or outcomes apply to Indigenous, First Nations, Aboriginal or Native peoples.
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
  • Format: single-spaced, Arial or Calibri 11-pt font, 2.5 cm margins
  • Length: 200-300-word maximum for abstract content, organised by the following subheadings:
    • Purpose (statement with a brief background of the problem)
    • Methods or Approach (study design, main measures)
    • Results
    • Conclusions
Abstract Content:
  • Title: Written in Title Case (first letter capitalised), no longer than 15 words
  • Author(s) – (format: Last name, First Initial., second author last name, first initial., etc.) – identify the designated presenter. At least one author must be the designated presenter
  • Indicate if you are a:
    • Student(UG&G)
    • Practising Nurse
    • Nurse Researcher/Academic
    • Community/Health Leader
    • Youth Interested in Health Careers.
Presentation Formats

Indicate if the abstract is for a:
or
or
  • Oral presentation – 15 minutes long and time limits will be imposed
Poster Presentations
Posters will be presented during the morning and afternoon breaks during the conference. Presenting authors will be required to stand by their poster during the sessions. The dimensional requirements of the poster boards are 4’ x 8’.

Presenters’ Registration. All presenters (other than those specifically sponsored or advised by the Conference Committee as exempt from registration fees) must register for the conference. Presenters also need to meet their own travel and accommodation costs.

ABSTRACT REVIEW
The Scientific Committee will review abstracts and evaluate through a blind review process. Notification of acceptance will be sent via email beginning Febuary 15, 2026, and ending March 31 2026.

AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT
The conference will be held at a variety of locations. The venue will have a data projector, laptop, screen and sound system. The Conference Management Team will email you 2-3 weeks before the conference to request your Presentation. However, please feel free to email it at any time. Presenters should bring their presentation on a USB stick to the Summit. If you have not emailed it earlier, a technician will be onsite to load it.
The conference program will include oral and poster presentations scheduled over two days. Completed research or projects, works in progress, and best practices will be considered. Indicate whether you would like to submit your abstract for an oral presentation or poster presentation. We welcome submissions from community health leaders, faculty/instructors, graduate students and undergraduate students.

Questions or comments please send to ihnrchair@uvic.ca

To navigate to the Abstract Submission Form, click "Next"

T