Raising Our Children in Love – Akomimoksin and Sâkihitowin

Recorded July 14, 2024. Grant Bruno and Pearl Yellow Old Woman-Healy, members of our Indigenous Relations Circle, give a keynote presentation on their experiences raising autistic children as Indigenous people.

Grant Bruno, PhD Candidate

Grant Bruno is a father to four amazing children, two of which are on the autism spectrum. Grant is a registered member of Samson Cree Nation, one of the reserves that makes up Maskwacis, Alberta. He has a PhD in Medical Sciences – Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. His PhD research explores redefining autism from a Cree lens, gathering stories with families and individuals who have experiences with neurodiversity using a strength-based approach. As well as gathering data on the perspectives of autism in Maskwacis. His philosophy is that autism is an adventure and is something to be embraced.

Pearl Yellow Old Woman-Healy, PhD

Dr. Pearl Yellow Old Woman-Healy is a member of the Siksika Nation and is a mother of an adult child with Autism. She is a PhD graduate of the Community Health Sciences Program specializing in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from the University of Calgary. Pearl was the graduate representative for the AIM-HI Network that provides mentorship for Indigenous scholars to pursue and build capacity in health research. Her community-based research focused on Siksikaitsitapi informed health and wellness for Siksika children with disabilities. Pearl’s recent accomplishments, life experiences, advocacy work and community engagement have influenced her leadership skills and demonstrate her passion in building relationships, fostering connections, and deepening understandings that will enhance culturally competent health care for Indigenous children.