First Nations rights and health system transformation
What is "health system transformation" and why do we need it? For First Nations people across the country, there still remain gaps in health status. A First Nations physician shares their work in antiracism, cultural safety, quality and health human resources - grounded in First Nations rights, relationality and partnerships - that contributes to transformative change and translates into improved First Nations health and well-being.
Date: October 6th, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: HLTH Expansion Building (EXP) 1689
Speaker: Dr. Cornelia (Nel) Wieman
Dr. Nel Wieman is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in British Columbia, where she has worked for the past 8 years. She is Anishinaabe (Miishipaawitiik First Nation, Treaty 5 Territory) and lives, works and plays on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples – the səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. She completed her medical degree and psychiatry specialty training at McMaster University. Canada's first female Indigenous psychiatrist, Dr. Wieman has more than 30 years of clinical and senior leadership experience, working with Indigenous (FN/M/I) people both in-community and away from home. Dr. Wieman served as the President of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) from 2016 - 2022. Recently, Dr. Wieman was selected as a recipient of the inaugural Dr. Barry Lavallee Indigenous Health Advocacy Award by Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada. She is a recognized public health leader and antiracism advocate in BC and Canada.
About the lecture series
The Hallman Lecture Series brings leading thinkers to University of Waterloo to engage the public on topics of health, well-being and health behaviour change. Established through a generous professorial endowment, this series aims to foster intellectual curiosity and the exchange of ideas amongst the general public, students, public health practitioners, educators and other professionals.
Program
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 5:30 p.m. |
Doors Open |
|
5:45 p.m. |
Welcome and introductions Dr. Lili Liu, Dean, Faculty of Health |
|
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. |
Speaker Dr. Cornelia (Nel) Wieman |
|
7:00 p.m. |
Reception Light refreshments served |
Parking
Parking will be available for a $10.00 Fee in Lot M.
View Parking Information for additional information on how to park.
We encourage those joining us from on campus with monthly parking passes to park in their designated lots for the event. Thank you!