Thia'tewenhniserá:ke tsi nisakwénion satia'takarí:iohst tánon' kakhwí:io í:sek. Tóka' entehse'nikonhrakón:tahkwe enwá:ton nè:'e tenká:ta'ne ne taiesanekwenhsatsikhè:tara'ne.
Healthy eating habits, daily physical activity, adequate sleep and wholistic wellness can prevent diabetes.
Shé:kon! Hello!
Since 1994, the Kahnawà:ke Schools Diabetes Prevention Program (KSDPP) has been committed to preventing Type 2 diabetes in Kahnawà:ke. We empower the community through our unique diabetes prevention model, based on Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) values, and we collaborate with community organizations on a shared vision of diabetes prevention activities that reach the whole community.
We continue to develop our research model based on the experiences of Kahnawakehró:non (the people of Kahnawà:ke), staff and researchers, in partnership with Kahnawà:ke and universities. Our model is shared with Indigenous communities and others involved with diabetes prevention. KSDPP trains a significant number of Indigenous people in diabetes prevention intervention and research activities.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2024 Kahnawà:ke Diabetes Statistics: Excellent News for KSDPP and Kahnawà:ke
June 20, 2024
In January 2024, Onkwata’karitáhtshera (Health & Social Services Agency) released Our Community, Our Health Brief Data Update which includes statistics and information regarding diabetes in Kahnawà:ke. These statistics show that fewer people are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes each year. To read more about these findings, please visit the following page on our website: 2024 Kanawà:ke Diabetes Statistics
Joe Jacob's Diabetes Wampum Belt returns to Kahnawà:ke
March 31, 2025
The Teiakonekwenhsatsikhe:tare (our blood is sweet) Wampum belt and bundle, created by Joe Jacobs in 1997, have returned to Kahnawà:ke after travelling to over 20 First Nations communities, becoming part of numerous projects and initiatives, aiming to raise diabetes awareness and to promote its prevention for Onkwehón:we (First nations people). Read more here on the Eastern Door.
KSDPP welcomes Kim Delormier as Communications Coordinator
March 31, 2025
We are thrilled to welcome Kim Delormier as KSDPP’s new Communications Coordinator, a key role in revitalizing our Research and Training Center. Kim brings a wealth of experience in design, communication, and engagement with the Kahnawà:ke community, making her a perfect fit to help strengthen KSDPP’s outreach and impact. Kim designed the original KSDPP logo in 1994.
A graphic designer and illustrator, Kim graduated from the Dawson College Graphic Design Program in 1988, just as the industry was transitioning to digital. She quickly expanded her skills, working as a digital layout artist and ad designer at The Eastern Door newspaper. Her career took an unexpected turn when a letter to the editor sparked a community campaign to establish the Kahnawake Library. She joined the effort which led to her hiring as Library Coordinator, where she gained valuable management, organizational, networking, and communication skills while establishing the library.
Among other ventures, Kim has started a café, worked in employment and training, managed the Kahnawà:ke Welcome Center, and has helped to plan and promote events, all while maintaining an independent design business, creating everything from logos and publications to murals and children’s book illustrations for multiple Indigenous organizations and businesses.
Kim will play a key role in supporting and promoting KSDPP’s 30th Anniversary celebrations and our upcoming Research Summit, helping to ensure these milestone events effectively engage the community and reflect KSDPP’s impact over the years, highlighting contributions to research, well-being and research capacity. With Kim on board, KSDPP is excited to expand our outreach, enhance our communications, and continue strengthening connections with our community and partners. Welcome to the team!
A graphic designer and illustrator, Kim graduated from the Dawson College Graphic Design Program in 1988, just as the industry was transitioning to digital. She quickly expanded her skills, working as a digital layout artist and ad designer at The Eastern Door newspaper. Her career took an unexpected turn when a letter to the editor sparked a community campaign to establish the Kahnawake Library. She joined the effort which led to her hiring as Library Coordinator, where she gained valuable management, organizational, networking, and communication skills while establishing the library.
Among other ventures, Kim has started a café, worked in employment and training, managed the Kahnawà:ke Welcome Center, and has helped to plan and promote events, all while maintaining an independent design business, creating everything from logos and publications to murals and children’s book illustrations for multiple Indigenous organizations and businesses.
Kim will play a key role in supporting and promoting KSDPP’s 30th Anniversary celebrations and our upcoming Research Summit, helping to ensure these milestone events effectively engage the community and reflect KSDPP’s impact over the years, highlighting contributions to research, well-being and research capacity. With Kim on board, KSDPP is excited to expand our outreach, enhance our communications, and continue strengthening connections with our community and partners. Welcome to the team!
KSDPP is very proud to showcase esteemed research team member Derek Wasyliw, as he reflects on his research journey since being named an emerging scholar by Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada.
Read more about Derek's story here.
Alex M. McComber receives 2025 Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Indigenous Health Advocacy Lifetime Contribution Award
March 5, 2025
Alex M. McComber is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to Indigenous health and medical education throughout his lifetime. He has had a profound impact on the KSDPP and the many people and communities he has worked with, serving as a tireless champion of Indigenous peoples rights, culture, and well-being. His dedication to cultural safety and health equity has left a lasting legacy on the many students and learners who have benefited from his teaching and mentorship. The KSDPP is thrilled to announce his well-deserved nomination for this award!
More about the award: The Indigenous Health Advocacy Award recognizes and celebrates the outstanding efforts of an Indigenous person in medical education and/or health research who has worked to improve the health of Indigenous Peoples situated in Canada. This award recognizes the outstanding dedication of an individual or faculty member towards the dismantling of anti-Indigenous racism and the advancement of cultural safety, advocacy, health equity and wellness of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people. Nominations are open to Indigenous faculty members and staff.
Click here to read more about Alex's award
More about the award: The Indigenous Health Advocacy Award recognizes and celebrates the outstanding efforts of an Indigenous person in medical education and/or health research who has worked to improve the health of Indigenous Peoples situated in Canada. This award recognizes the outstanding dedication of an individual or faculty member towards the dismantling of anti-Indigenous racism and the advancement of cultural safety, advocacy, health equity and wellness of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people. Nominations are open to Indigenous faculty members and staff.
Click here to read more about Alex's award
Dr. Treena Delormier honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal for Exceptional Contributions to Indigenous Health and Community Well-being
January 10, 2025
Dr. Treena Delormier, Associate Professor in the School of Human Nutrition at McGill University and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition and Food Sovereignty, has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This distinguished honour recognizes Dr. Delormier’s outstanding leadership in advancing Indigenous health promotion and her lifelong dedication to addressing health inequities within Indigenous communities.
Dr. Treena Delormier, a Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) scholar, was recognized for her impactful work with her home community through the Kahnawà:ke Schools Diabetes Prevention Program (KSDPP). She has been instrumental in leading community-driven health initiatives rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
Presented by the Honourable Manon Jeannotte, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, the King Charles III Coronation Medal honours Canadians whose contributions have significantly advanced their communities and the nation. Dr. Delormier’s recognition highlights her profound influence not only in her home community of Kahnawà:ke but across Canada and beyond.
KSDPP proudly celebrates Dr. Delormier’s achievements and her unwavering commitment to Indigenous health, food sovereignty, and community well-being. Congratulations, Dr. Treena Delormier, on this well-deserved honour!
Click here to read more.
Dr. Treena Delormier, a Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) scholar, was recognized for her impactful work with her home community through the Kahnawà:ke Schools Diabetes Prevention Program (KSDPP). She has been instrumental in leading community-driven health initiatives rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
Presented by the Honourable Manon Jeannotte, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, the King Charles III Coronation Medal honours Canadians whose contributions have significantly advanced their communities and the nation. Dr. Delormier’s recognition highlights her profound influence not only in her home community of Kahnawà:ke but across Canada and beyond.
KSDPP proudly celebrates Dr. Delormier’s achievements and her unwavering commitment to Indigenous health, food sovereignty, and community well-being. Congratulations, Dr. Treena Delormier, on this well-deserved honour!
Click here to read more.
MedicsVoices interview spotlights Dr. Ann C. Macaulay's pioneering work in Indigenous health and participatory research
January 10, 2025
edicsVoices is proud to feature Dr. Ann C. Macaulay, Professor Emerita in Family Medicine at McGill University and former Scientific Director of the Kahnawà:ke Schools Diabetes Prevention Program (KSDPP), in its latest interview episode. From 1994 to 2018, Dr. Macaulay led the internationally recognized KSDPP, a groundbreaking community-based participatory research initiative with the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) community of Kahnawà:ke, Quebec. Her work was instrumental in shifting the focus from treating type 2 diabetes to preventing it through culturally grounded health promotion, guided by the community’s values and self-determination.
In the episode, Dr. Macaulay shares how she transitioned from clinical practice to participatory research, collaborating closely with community leaders to co-develop the KSDPP Code of Research Ethics—now a model for ethical, community-driven research worldwide. She reflects on the program’s successes, including a significant reduction in diabetes incidence and the empowerment of local leaders like Dr. Treena Delormier, now KSDPP’s Scientific Director.
Dr. Macaulay’s story is one of dedication, partnership, and lasting impact. Tune in to learn how her work continues to inspire community-led health initiatives and the next generation of researchers.
Click here to watch , listen, or read the full interview with Dr. Ann Macaulay on MedicsVoices.
In the episode, Dr. Macaulay shares how she transitioned from clinical practice to participatory research, collaborating closely with community leaders to co-develop the KSDPP Code of Research Ethics—now a model for ethical, community-driven research worldwide. She reflects on the program’s successes, including a significant reduction in diabetes incidence and the empowerment of local leaders like Dr. Treena Delormier, now KSDPP’s Scientific Director.
Dr. Macaulay’s story is one of dedication, partnership, and lasting impact. Tune in to learn how her work continues to inspire community-led health initiatives and the next generation of researchers.
Click here to watch , listen, or read the full interview with Dr. Ann Macaulay on MedicsVoices.
Kahnawà:ke Schools Diabetes Prevention Program receives generous $10,000 donation to support community health initiatives
November 26, 2024
KSDPP is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous $10,000 donation in support of our mission to promote health and prevent type 2 diabetes within our community. This contribution is a significant recognition of KSDPP's ongoing efforts to provide health promotion, community-led research, and innovative training programs to build capacity for our community to support healthy lifestyles.
On behalf of the KSDPP team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the family of Dr. Robert Gardiner who donated a grant of $10,000 in his memory, to KSDPP. This contribution supports KSDPP's mission, vision and commitment to leadership in diabetes prevention. Dr. Robert Gardiner was Director of the Division of Endocrinology at Montreal General Hospital. His colleagues, including Dr. Ann Macaulay, could count on him to be kind and professional to patients who were referred to him. He was also an advocate for community partnerships to address diabetes.
“This donation comes at a pivotal time for KSDPP, as we continue to build on nearly three decades of dedicated service in diabetes prevention and health promotion,” said Treena Delormier, Scientific Director at KSDPP, "With this kind of support, we are better positioned to address the unique health needs of our community and to inspire positive, sustainable changes.”
As KSDPP turns 30 this year, our efforts are shifting to support training for Health Promoters in the community who can deliver the dynamic KSDPP program of diabetes prevention activities. KSDPP is also aligning their efforts with the community wellness planning initiatives. KSDPP will continue to create opportunities to do community-led research with Kahnawà:ke partners, academic partners and students who are pursuing research through degrees and / or courses.
Founded in 1994, KSDPP has been at the forefront of diabetes prevention through a culturally sensitive and community-driven approach. We are immensely grateful to our donor for standing with us in our mission to foster a healthier future.
On behalf of the KSDPP team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the family of Dr. Robert Gardiner who donated a grant of $10,000 in his memory, to KSDPP. This contribution supports KSDPP's mission, vision and commitment to leadership in diabetes prevention. Dr. Robert Gardiner was Director of the Division of Endocrinology at Montreal General Hospital. His colleagues, including Dr. Ann Macaulay, could count on him to be kind and professional to patients who were referred to him. He was also an advocate for community partnerships to address diabetes.
“This donation comes at a pivotal time for KSDPP, as we continue to build on nearly three decades of dedicated service in diabetes prevention and health promotion,” said Treena Delormier, Scientific Director at KSDPP, "With this kind of support, we are better positioned to address the unique health needs of our community and to inspire positive, sustainable changes.”
As KSDPP turns 30 this year, our efforts are shifting to support training for Health Promoters in the community who can deliver the dynamic KSDPP program of diabetes prevention activities. KSDPP is also aligning their efforts with the community wellness planning initiatives. KSDPP will continue to create opportunities to do community-led research with Kahnawà:ke partners, academic partners and students who are pursuing research through degrees and / or courses.
Founded in 1994, KSDPP has been at the forefront of diabetes prevention through a culturally sensitive and community-driven approach. We are immensely grateful to our donor for standing with us in our mission to foster a healthier future.
KSDPP welcomes new Program Director, Coreen Delormier
October 21, 2024
KSDPP is pleased to announce the appointment of Coreen Delormier as Program Director. With over two decades of hands-on experience in building connections and fostering collaboration among businesses, organizations, and stakeholders, Coreen brings a wealth of expertise to this position.
"I am thrilled to join the KSDPP family," said Delormier, "As a pioneer in First Nations community participatory research, the organization has already made incredible strides in diabetes education and awareness and has had lasting positive effects in our community. I look forward to leading the program into its next phase of growth and innovation to create meaningful, sustainable change that supports the health of our community."
Lisa Peterson, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, expressed her enthusiasm for Coreen's appointment, stating, "Coreen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to our efforts. Her leadership will be crucial in continuing our mission to empower our community with the tools and resources needed to prevent diabetes and promote healthy lifestyles."
Her community involvement extends beyond her professional career, having worked with several organizations and participated in national Indigenous conferences to enhance her knowledge of social, economic and health initiatives. As Program Director, Coreen will bring strategic leadership, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community wellness. Her familiarity with Kahnawà:ke's community wellness initiatives and her dedication to ensuring KSDPP aligns with best practices, makes her an excellent fit for this role.
We are excited that Coreen will continue her outstanding work and help us to achieve even greater success!
"I am thrilled to join the KSDPP family," said Delormier, "As a pioneer in First Nations community participatory research, the organization has already made incredible strides in diabetes education and awareness and has had lasting positive effects in our community. I look forward to leading the program into its next phase of growth and innovation to create meaningful, sustainable change that supports the health of our community."
Lisa Peterson, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, expressed her enthusiasm for Coreen's appointment, stating, "Coreen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to our efforts. Her leadership will be crucial in continuing our mission to empower our community with the tools and resources needed to prevent diabetes and promote healthy lifestyles."
Her community involvement extends beyond her professional career, having worked with several organizations and participated in national Indigenous conferences to enhance her knowledge of social, economic and health initiatives. As Program Director, Coreen will bring strategic leadership, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community wellness. Her familiarity with Kahnawà:ke's community wellness initiatives and her dedication to ensuring KSDPP aligns with best practices, makes her an excellent fit for this role.
We are excited that Coreen will continue her outstanding work and help us to achieve even greater success!