A new donation from Michael Dan (MD 1984, LLD 2018) and Amira Dan (MA 2004) has established two endowed professorships at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health. This $6-million gift demonstrates the Dan family's sustained commitment to advancing Indigenous health research at U of T.
(L-R): Dr. Audrey Laporte, Dr. Michael Dan, Dr. Carol Strike, Dr. Suzanne (Ethsi) Stewart
The Ozhaawashkobinesiik Professorship in Indigenous Health Systems Research and a second Professorship in Indigenous Public Health Research, which has yet to be officially named, will address systemic health inequities and improve health outcomes for Indigenous people across Canada through research and education initiatives.
"Michael and Amira Dan have demonstrated time and again the power of philanthropy to promote equity and justice," says Melanie A. Woodin, president of U of T. "This new gift builds on their generosity in establishing the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health at U of T. It will strengthen the university's ability to attract and retain the most outstanding scientists and teachers in the world individuals who will have a profound impact on education and research and help U of T continue to answer the call of truth and reconciliation."
Addressing the critical needs of Indigenous communities
For decades, the Dan family has contributed to national reconciliation efforts, elevating Indigenous voices and addressing systemic racism impacting Indigenous Peoples. In 2014, they made a visionary $10-million gift to establish the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. The institute is the world's first privately endowed research centre dedicated to the health of Indigenous people. Through research, education and outreach initiatives, it aims to close health-care gaps in Indigenous communities by addressing the complex and comprehensive factors that create health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
"These new professorships in Indigenous health systems research and Indigenous public health research will build on the school's interdisciplinary scholarship, policy development and capacity building," says Audrey Laporte, acting dean of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
"We want to ensure that the next generation of public health leaders and researchers can use Indigenous and Western evidence-informed practice and policy to help improve the health and well-being of Indigenous people."
Since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action in 2015, Indigenous people in Canada have continued to experience higher rates of chronic and infectious diseases and mortality when compared to non-Indigenous people, in addition to inequities in accessing timely health care.
"This renewed support will allow us to expand on culturally relevant research on the critical health issues facing Indigenous communities in Canada, such as addiction, suicide, diabetes, palliative care, infant and maternal mortality, homelessness and food insecurity," says Suzanne (Ethsi) Stewart, director of the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health.
"The Dan family understands the urgent need to build partnerships with the communities affected by these issues to support the delivery of health care, healing and wellness practices."
A pivotal opportunity for positive change
The Ozhaawashkobinesiik Professorship in Indigenous Health Systems Research honours Amira Dan and bears the spirit name given to her by the late Anishinaabe elder, Kalvin Ottertail of the Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation in Northwestern Ontario. Ozhaawashkobinesiik means "blue thunderbird woman" in the Anishinaabemowin language. This professorship name follows in the footsteps of the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, as Waakebiness is Michael Dan's spirit name and translates to "radiant thunderbird from the south." In partnership with the Indigenous Elder Council at U of T, the university will provide an official name for the other professorship the Dans have helped establish, the Professorship in Indigenous Public Health Research.
"It is our honour and privilege to help support U of T's leadership in advancing the health and well-being of Indigenous people," says Michael Dan. "This is a pivotal opportunity to create more culturally grounded interventions that can change many lives for the better."
The new professorships will boost the Dalla Lana School of Public Health's research capacity, deepening our understanding of health system and public health challenges unique to Indigenous people. By supporting more responsive, evidence-based approaches to health policy and practice, the university can help accelerate meaningful impact locally, nationally and internationally. Moreover, continued engagement with Indigenous networks, community organizations and global partners will contribute to positive, long-term outcomes for Indigenous people across Canada and around the world.
"Michael and Amira Dan have made a resolute commitment to truth and reconciliation through their generous giving, volunteering and advocacy," says David Palmer, vice-president, advancement at U of T. "Their new gift builds on their purposeful philanthropic vision to help the university overcome complex local and global health challenges that create inequities empowering a healthier future for all."
