How do you explain your current research/job to friends and family? — I describe my research to friends and family by starting with the setting: rural northern communities in our province face limited healthcare and services compared to urban areas. This is especially true for Indigenous communities, where accessing adequate care is very difficult. Alongside a First Nations-led society, my work focuses on improving on-reserve services, particularly related to physical activity, which can help manage and prevent health conditions while supporting cultural practices and traditions. This aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and directly responds to community-level requests, which aim to make an impact on health and wellness.
How would you describe your program of research and its significance? — I am incredibly grateful to be part of UBC’s dual Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) and PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program! This unique program allows me to gain clinical physiotherapy skills while refining my research expertise to support Indigenous health through physical activity. Not only do I enjoy living in Vancouver, but UBC’s beautiful campus, world-class researchers, and diverse opportunities make it the perfect place to grow professionally. My long-term goal is to collaborate with First Nations-led organizations in rural northern BC to advance culturally appropriate, community-driven health initiatives, building on the meaningful work this program supports.
What drives you to continue in this path? — My family is my greatest inspiration for this work. Getting to witness the limited healthcare services available in rural northern BC, where my grandparents and mother had lived, sparked my passion for supporting the health of people in these areas. Their experiences help me connect deeply with this work, which makes it even more meaningful. My family’s encouragement—whether through mock interviews, feedback on my presentations, or even just ensuring my belly is full of food—keeps me motivated. Their belief in my goals and the opportunity to honour their experiences drive me to continue.
What is a project you’re working on right now that you’re excited about? — I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS), a health and wellness organization representing 13 First Nations communities in north-central British Columbia. In a partnership between UBC and CSFS, I’m working to develop sustainable, culturally appropriate physical activity programs. This four-part project involves supporting community leadership in outlining their physical activity goals, critically analyzing funding resources available for Indigenous initiatives across Canada, implementing a pilot program and qualitatively evaluating this program in three communities. It’s an incredible opportunity to combine research, community engagement, and meaningful action for long-term health and wellness!
Given unlimited funding, what would your dream research project be? — With unlimited funding, I would lead a research and wellness centre in northern BC dedicated to supporting Indigenous health. This center would bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, and community members to collaborate on holistic projects grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing. It could include dietitians promoting traditional foods and physiotherapists incorporating land-based activities into rehabilitation. The centre would provide healthcare services, create employment opportunities, and serve as a hub for graduate students to begin their research journeys. It would be a space to honour culture, improve health outcomes, and empower communities. Hopefully, one day this dream will become a reality!
Want to learn more? – Find more about Sunaina’s lab at the University of British Columbia here. If you’re interested in following Sunaina’s journey, you can connect with her on Bluesky, LinkedIn or Instagram.
