May 29, 2025

The Can-SOLVE CKD Network was proud to take part in the Canadian Society of Nephrology ‘s (CSN) Annual General Meeting, held May 7–9 in Vancouver, BC, on the traditional, unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples—home of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.

This year’s gathering offered a unique opportunity to bring together members of both Can-SOLVE CKD Network patient councils—the Patient Governance Council (PGC) and the Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council (IPERC)—for in-person meetings focused on relationship building, shared learning, and collaborative planning. For the first time, the two councils held a joint meeting in a dedicated space to build connections and explore opportunities for collaboration.

“We came together to discuss building capacity and sustainability as we move forward in the spirit of collaboration,” says IPERC co-chair Cathy Woods. “We are all dedicated to improving the lives of kidney patients and their caregivers. We do this by being involved in research and projects that will impact their health outcomes and improve their quality of life. CKD affects the whole family, and as patient partners we are committed and passionate about patient-oriented research and doing it in a good way.”

Representing communities from coast to coast to coast, members of both councils share a strong commitment to advocacy and patient-oriented research. The meetings were an opportunity for many to reconnect and welcome new members to both councils—further deepening a sense of community and shared purpose.

Council meetings began with a Land Acknowledgement and Welcome to Territory from IPERC members and Knowledge Keepers Dr. Latash-Maurice Nahanee (Squamish Nation) and Dehlia Nahanee (Nisga’a Nation). Co-chairs from each council welcomed the group, followed by a sharing circle using a traditional talking stick—creating a safe space for introductions and reflections. The meeting also included a teaching from Knowledge Keeper Violet March (Denesuline from Cold Lake First Nation in Treaty 6 territory). The following day, the councils continued their important discussions with breakout groups, allowing participants to brainstorm in smaller, more intimate settings.

Patient partners also participated in key sessions throughout the CSN AGM, including:

Outside formal sessions, patient partners also connected over shared meals, storytelling, and a visit to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC’s Point Grey campus, which offered the opportunity to ground the work in culture and history.

Reflecting on the value and impact of bringing the two councils together for formal and informal gatherings, Dr. James Scholey from the Can-SOLVE CKD Leadership Team noted, “It was an inspiring meeting. The sharing circle is a tremendous way of engaging. There is no back row. Everyone is face to face, and we heard a lot of very personal stories that only serve to make us work harder. We have so much more to accomplish.”

Learn more about patient engagement at the Can-SOLVE CKD Network and get involved: https://cansolveckd.ca/about-us/

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