Jaris Swidrovich is an Assistant Professor at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan. Funding from the Wellspring Award has enabled Jaris to host a recruitment and mentorship event for Indigenous youth in Saskatchewan, who are interested in becoming, or already are, pharmacy students/pharmacists. Jaris is using this opportunity to develop leadership skills through community-­driven engagement and guidance from Native Canadian Elders, as opposed to conducting a typical direct and structured educational or mentorship program. He will share alll learnings and discovery with colleagues across Canada and beyond.

Canada has few Indigenous leaders, and evern fewer leaders in health care, a fact identified in Call to Action #23 from The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Given that pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers, the profession of pharmacy’s active response to the TRC Call to Action #23 is critical. With this funding, Jaris hopes to increase the number of Indigenous pharmacists and ensure their retention in Indigenous communities.