December 17, 2024

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of our esteemed colleague, Craig Settee, as he embarks on a new chapter at the First Nations Health Authority.  

Craig has been with the Can-SOLVE CKD Network for the past seven years, starting as a patient partner (a living kidney donor to his brother Kevin), and going on to become the Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council (IPERC) Coordinator. In 2022, he inaugurated the role of Cultural Competency Manager at the network.  

During his tenure with us, Craig was instrumental in co-creating the Knowledge Keepers in Research guidebook and video series. He also hosted a Sweat Lodge Ceremony at the 2019 Annual Meeting and the Closing Plenary Session during the 2023 BC Kidney Days. Craig and his brother, Kevin Settee, made Can-SOLVE CKD proud when they presented at the 2019 ISN World Congress of Nephrology in Melbourne, Australia.  

We would also like to acknowledge and thank Craig for his work on a recent successful $25,000 CIHR Planning and Dissemination grant through the Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health (IIPH) to establish a Cultural Safety Circle of Practice. We look forward to continuing the heart work that went into it.  

“While my time with the network comes to end, I am not too far away, and I believe in the foundational work developed at the network to improve kidney wellness, cultural competency, and spaces for the voices of lived experiences to be sounded,” says Craig. “I will cherish all the friendships, experiences, and memories made during my time with the network!”  

Kinanáskomitin (“I am grateful to you” in Cree), Craig. Your humility, sincerity, and commitment to greater kidney health equity and amplifying Indigenous voices will be missed. We are grateful for the time you spent with us, for your contributions to the network, and for introducing us to many types of ceremony. We wish you the best in your new position at First Nations Health Authority.   

Moving forward, all inquiries related to cultural competency can be directed to Indigenous Initiatives Manager Jocelyn Jones at jjones@cansolveckd.ca.