July 17, 2020

The Can-SOLVE CKD Network is excited to announce that the 2020 Barbara Ann LeGay Award for Patient-Oriented Research has been awarded to Helen Robinson-Settee.

Helen was recognized by her peers for her outstanding work as a strong voice for patient partners, particularly Indigenous patients, caregivers, and community members.

As Co-Chair of the Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council, Helen has worked tirelessly to ensure Indigenous voices and values are reflected in all Can-SOLVE CKD activities. With her guidance, IPERC has created a culturally safe space for Indigenous individuals to participate in all aspects of patient-oriented kidney research and has supported the development of culturally appropriate research protocols. Helen has also worked to ensure recognition of traditional knowledge and territories by supporting the establishment of guidelines on ceremony and the participation of Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.

Helen serves as chair of the working group that is creating a new learning pathway (Wabishki Bizhiko Skaanj) to promote Indigenous cultural competency among health researchers, patient partners, and health system policy-makers. Her leadership has been a driving force in the design and creation of Wabishki Bizhiko Skaanj which consists of interactive learning exercises, facilitated online modules, and webinars aimed at enhancing researchers’ knowledge of racial biases, Indigenous voices and stories, the impact of colonization, and culturally safe health research practices.

Helen is also a member of the network’s Patient Governance Circle and a patient partner on three research projects – two of which are specifically focused on developing programs and resources to improve kidney health in Indigenous communities.

“Helen is a great leader who understands the challenges facing kidney patients and their families. She exemplifies what it is to be on a team by moving forward the agenda and involving others. She does so working with Knowledge Keepers and making sure that protocols and ceremony are acknowledged. She has brought ceremony to Can-SOLVE CKD and IPERC, which gives us all strength to move ahead in a good way.”
– Cathy Woods, Co-Chair, Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council

About the Barbara Ann LeGay Award

The award was created in 2017 to honour the memory of patient partner Barb LeGay by celebrating those who have worked to improve relationships between health care providers, researchers, and patients. Helen is the third recipient of the award, following previous winners Mike McCormick (2018) and Cathy Woods (2019).

For the 2020 award, three outstanding patient partners were nominated by their peers following an open call for submissions:

• Kate Chong
• David Hillier
• Helen Robinson-Settee

We are so grateful to all the nominees for their ongoing commitment and dedication to Can-SOLVE CKD!