June 2014 — Institute established with $10M gift
Dr. Michael and Amira Dan donate $10 million to support the creation of an institute dedicated to the health of Indigenous people, based at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
The University of Toronto announces the donation in recognition and celebration of National Aboriginal Day.
March 2015 — The University of Toronto’s Governing Council approves the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health name
The University of Toronto’s Governing Council approves a name for the institute: Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health (WBIIH).
Waakebiness is the name given to Michael Dan by Kalvin Ottertail, a spiritual leader of the Lac La Croix First Nation in Northwestern Ontario; in the Anishinaabemowin language, it means Radiant Thunderbird from the South.
March 2015 — The Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health naming ceremony and feast
The University of Toronto and Drs. Michael and Amira Dan host a naming ceremony and feast for the WBIIH.
More than 150 people attend the event, including Indigenous Elders; First Nations, Métis and Inuit representatives; members of the U of T community; the Bryce family; and provincial and federal politicians.
September 2015 — First Community Advisory Council meeting
The WBIIH creates a Community Advisory Council, which includes Indigenous Elders, scholars and other community leaders and representatives from across Canada.
The council meets for the first time on September 16, 2015, chaired by Margo Greenwood, an Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry who is a Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia.
December 2016 — Dr. Suzanne Stewart named Director
Dr. Suzanne L. Stewart is the first permanent Director of the WBIIH as of January 1, 2017, following a search conducted by a representative committee of Indigenous and DLSPH leaders. Read more.
Summer 2018 – Eagle Hoop Lodge was built at Hart House Farm.
Established a sacred spiritual ground for Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health.
September 2019 – Master of Public Health – Indigenous Health launched.
Prioritizing First Nations, Inuit, Metis (Indigenous) knowledge pedagogies, theories and frameworks for teaching, learning and research with 43+ graduates.
October 2020 – Askaakamigokwewigaming (Mother Earth learning Lodge) was raised.
In response to the COVID pandemic, Askaakamigokwewigamig was built to ensure open air, physically distanced learning on the land while engaging Indigenous knowledge, teachings and ceremony as an essential aspect of continued learning.