“Your Health”: A Monthly Online Conversation on Wellness Returns
Note: This news page will be updated on an ongoing basis with new session details for individuals to refer back to throughout the year.
The Métis Nation of Ontario is dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of Métis citizens across our communities. In doing so, the MNO’s Healing and Wellness team is excited to continue the “Your Health” Talks – a series of monthly conversation focused on your health and wellbeing. These sessions are open to all and provide a great opportunity to learn about various health topics and connect with experts in a supportive community.
Upcoming Session
August 25, 2025: 6p.m.
Topic: Your current health needs
This session, we will be turning the dialogue to you to discuss your current health needs and what topics you’d like to learn about in the future to better your personal wellness or the wellness of your Métis family. Your voice matters to us—it is the reason why we do what we do and helps guide our work and programming. We want to hear from you! This session is open to individuals of all ages and demographics.
previous Sessions (Note: all times are Eastern Standard).
July 23, 2025: 6p.m.
Topic: Fibromyalgia Awareness
This session will cover important aspects of Fibromyalgia as our guest speaker provides personal insight and professional support in this discussion.
About the guest speaker: Trudy Flynn is a medically retired nurse who has lived with fibromyalgia for over 30 years and cared for her daughter, diagnosed with the condition at age 8. She is a dedicated advocate for patient-centred care and is a patient partner in health research. Trudy began her research journey in 2012 with the James Lind Alliance’s project on the Top 10 Priorities for Adult Fibromyalgia Patients, which led to ongoing involvement in numerous initiatives.
Believing strongly in the value of lived experience, Trudy promotes meaningful patient engagement to ensure diverse voices are heard in research and decision-making. In 2021, recognizing the lack of national organizations focused solely on fibromyalgia, she co-founded the Fibromyalgia Association of Canada (FAC)—a patient-led, nationwide organization created by and for people living with fibromyalgia. You can learn more about the FAC at: https://fibrocanada.ca/en/
May 22, 2025: 6p.m.
Topic: How to get the most out of your healthcare appointment
This session will cover what patients should do before, during, and after a healthcare appointment. This workshop prepares and empowers individuals to communicate more effectively with their healthcare provider so they can achieve better health outcomes.
About the guest speaker: Darren Robbins is a dedicated member of the four-person team that constitutes the South West Self-Management Program. With over 20 years of experience in various roles within the healthcare sector, Darren has spent the last 14 years passionately advocating for healthcare self-management. Alongside his teammates, he encourages individuals to embrace change one small step at a time, supports them in acquiring the skills necessary for healthy living, and assists healthcare professionals in developing the competencies required to provide effective patient self-management support.
Previous Sessions: (Note: all times are Eastern Standard).
April 23, 2025: 6p.m.
Topic: Fertility
This session will cover important aspects of fertility and infertility as our guest speaker provides personal insight and professional support in this discussion.
About the guest speaker: Melissa Nicol is a full-spectrum doula and the founder of Inclusive Fertility, specializing in fertility and infertility support for individuals and couples. With a decade of experience and personal insight into infertility and treatment, she provides IVF injection training, education, and compassionate care. Melissa is dedicated to advocacy, ensuring equal access to fertility services, and empowering people to make informed choices. As a mother through egg donation, she also helps others navigate donation and surrogacy, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all, including LGBTQ+ families.
For more information about these sessions, please contact:
Melissa Riddell
Patient Advocate, Healing & Wellness Branch
We look forward to your participation in these important conversations!