Immigrant and Refugee Health Interest Group

𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞⁣
We are pleased to share research posters completed by youth participants in the 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐠𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄) program this past summer. Working alongside 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐲 mentors, high school students conducted independent research projects on climate change and its intersecting health, social, and environmental impacts.⁣

Their work covered the following topics:⁣
🧠 Climate Change and Mental Health⁣
🔥 Forest Fires and Respiratory Illnesses in Children: A Systematic Review⁣
🌍 Climate Adaptation Strategies in Immigrant Communities⁣
🤖 The Effects of AI on the Environment⁣
❤️ The Impact of Particulate Matter on Cardiovascular Diseases⁣
☀️ From Sunlight to Cell Damage: How Ozone Loss Impacts DNA Repair in Skin⁣
💭 Why Do We Believe Lies? The Impact of Cognitive Biases on the Spread of Misinformation and Climate Change Denial⁣

We gratefully thank our community partners, 𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄 (𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭) and 𝐂𝐁𝐅𝐘 (𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡) for their collaboration, our 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 for their guidance and time, and the 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 for their commitment and intellectual curiosity throughout this process.⁣

The 2025 summer activities were supported by 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚, a University of Calgary initiative funded by 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚.⁣

The RISE Summer Program engaged newcomer high school youth in climate education and leadership development through interactive, community-based learning. Over the course of the program, participants took part in educational workshops, collaborative activities, and one-on-one mentorship with post-secondary students, primarily from the University of Calgary. The program fostered awareness of climate change by connecting global perspectives with local experiences, while building confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills. The initiative culminated in a celebration event where youth shared their learning with peers, families, and the broader community.

University of Calgary
Foundation for the Voice of Immigrants in Canada for Empowerment-VOICE
Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth
University of Calgary's Cu***ng School of Medicine
O'Brien Institute for Public Health
Turin Chowdhury

RISE Summer Youth Program - Climate Change Action The RISE Summer Program engaged newcomer high school youth in climate education and leadership development through interactive, community-based learning. Ove...

The Saath South Asian Cancer Support program, hosted by Wellspring Alberta, is re-launching to provide a dedicated space for individuals to share experiences and receive practical support. This program is designed to address the specific cultural and family dynamics that shape the cancer experience within the South Asian community.

Sessions are held monthly and feature expert-led learning to support participant well-being.

Upcoming Schedule:
February 11 & 23: Navigating Family and Cultural Dynamics (Exploring roles, expectations, and caregiving).

March 11 & 23: Nutrition to Feel Better (Guidance from a South Asian registered dietitian).

April 8 & 20: Supporting Safe Movement (Expert advice on physical activity during and after treatment).

Locations:
Genesis Centre: 7555 Falconridge Blvd NE

Vivo Centre: 11950 Country Village Link NE

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱! 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀 – 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱!

Join the Newcomer Research Network and Action Dignity Society for the 2025 Newcomer Research Symposium - "𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬"
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: November 14, 2025
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza, 1316 33 St NE, Calgary, AB
We're seeking abstracts/proposals from newcomer community members, researchers, grassroots leaders, artists, practitioners, youth, and policymakers. Share your knowledge through workshops, panels, presentations, storytelling, creative exhibits, or artistic expressions.
𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬: Settlement & Integration, Public Safety, Social Inclusion & Health Care, Education, Employment, Grassroots Community Collaboration
𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚: Proposals should centre newcomer lived experience, focus on equity and systems change, embrace diverse ways of knowing, and incorporate anti-racist perspectives.
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐭: Complete the online form with a 500-word abstract, video, or audio file
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://forms.office.com/r/BEp39TDr3N
𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: October 7, 2025
𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? Contact Towani Duchscher: 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘪.𝘋𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳@𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺.𝘰𝘳𝘨
Be part of a space that centres community, amplifies newcomer voices, and catalyzes systems change together!

Researchers at the University of Calgary’s Cu***ng School of Medicine are conducting a study to identify barriers to accessing care for liver disease within the Bangladeshi community in Calgary. Liver disease is on the rise in Canada, and the Bangladeshi community is especially at risk.

Bangladeshi citizens or individuals of Bangladeshi origin, aged 18 or older, and currently residing in Calgary are invited to participate in a short survey. Eligible participants will receive a $10 gift card as appreciation for their time. For more information or to participate, please contact Irfan Hyder at [email protected] or 368-887-5659.

The “Liver Health Literacy”, a transdisciplinary research project to understand the liver health literacy issues and screening preferences among the immigrant communities, successfully participated in the Bangladesh Festival Alberta & Multicultural Heritage Street Fest 2024. Among the various other booths, Liver Health Literacy booth stood out with its important mission of promoting liver health. Over the course of the two days, the Liver Health Literacy booth actively engaged with approximately 400 attendees. About 150 visitors participated in the interactive awareness-building game called the 'knowledge wheel.' Furthermore, more than 80 individuals signed up for future events and knowledge sharing on liver health.



The enthusiastic response and positive feedback from the community highlighted the event's success in raising awareness about liver health and fostering community involvement. Liver Health Literacy research team’s presence at the Bangladeshi Street Fest was more than just an awareness campaign; it was a step towards fostering long-term community health. By incorporating the feedback received, the Liver Health Literacy team aims to enhance its outreach and ensure that more people benefit from liver health information, guiding, and screenings.



The Liver Health Literacy team is very grateful to have warm reception and active participation from the community, noting that such engagement is crucial for the success of health outreach initiatives. With continued community engagement and strategic partnerships, the project is poised to make significant strides in reducing liver cancer's impact and improving the overall health of Alberta's underserved populations.

Scholars at the University of Calgary underscore the importance of ethical and equitable digital health practices that protect the rights of racialized communities. The study advocates for data self-determination, urging researchers to collaborate with these communities in curating data that aligns with their wellness perspectives and health priorities. Emphasizing consent over data use for policy-making, the study builds on Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles and advocates for adapting these principles as the approach evolves. It proposes strategies for implementing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and decolonization (EDIAD) in digital health. The concept of Precision Health Equity (PHE) is adapted to promote co-defined data sharing models, enhancing shared governance and reducing disparities. This research aims to advance equity in digital health and ethical data management.
Learn more: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/cambridge-quarterly-of-healthcare-ethics/article/abs/ethical-and-equitable-digital-health-research-ensuring-selfdetermination-in-data-governance-for-racialized-communities/8FDECD6E5010F2E71252F22E67A9EB8D

The Foundation for the Voice Of Immigrants in Canada for Empowerment (VOICE) has announced the closing ceremony of the “Virtual Community for South Asian Seniors.” This celebratory event intends to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the project, including its activities, outcomes, challenges, and future prospects, alongside testimonials that underscore the project's beneficial impact on the daily lives of senior participants. A presentation on resources available for seniors in Alberta will also be featured.
Date: May 25th, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM
Place: Genesis Centre, Multipurpose Room A & B, Calgary, AB
Please register if you interested in joining: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdumoROjVHA3FaA-ZRYWzYxYQe1nrodSG1htl5LjwItvI3zAA/viewform?mkt_tok=MTYxLU9MTi05OTAAAAGTAr7HtjRvKJkzY-0x5qAeU6dR6avZlrC_jlvSQIk56_XOKPIVABzqAbpo1HAx8skKcK46fjqIHYXTS-wQiMqu

Cafe Scientifique: Healthcare Access Inequity Cafe Scientifique: Healthcare Access Inequity

Welcome to the Immigrant and Refugee Health Interest Group's Knowledge Engagement Cafe Scientifique session, where the shared knowledge generated through community-led research will be celebrated.

This session, held at the Genesis Centre on March 16, 2024, from 4-6 PM, is a testament to the research group's commitment to equitable and empowering research methodologies co-led by the dynamic community.

Together, the research group will share the results of their community-engaged research on the health and wellness of the community. The insights and participation of the community have been the centre of the research, and this creates an exciting opportunity to take these shared learnings back into the community.

To register for this transformative event or for any inquiries please email at [email protected].

A recent article by Turin et al. reported a systematic approach to planning and developing a community engagement strategy. Community engagement is crucial for achieving research and service goals with the intention of bringing about social and environmental change, sustainable development, health promotion, and community building. This article focuses on understanding the community ecosystem, which includes human, social, and cultural aspects. It involves understanding demography, participating in socio-cultural events, identifying community spots, contacting hard-to-access groups, and finding community champions and communication channels. This understanding helps build mutual trust, goals, and mutual trust, leading to empowered, continuous, and collaborative partnerships resulting in sustainable outcomes.
Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21501319231205170