Students and faculty members represent department at 2025 CAOT Conference

More than 20 faculty members and students from the Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy recently attended the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) 2025 Conference in amiskwacîwâskahikan/Edmonton, Alberta, joining colleagues from across Canada to share the latest research, reflect on lessons learned and inspire the future of occupational therapy. 

Among those representing our department at this year’s conference were second-year occupational therapy students Nolan Willie and Marie Francis, who co-facilitated a Pre-Conference Workshop titled Storywork in OT: Cultivating Relational Practice and Cultural Humility. 

Their session invited participants to explore the concepts of relational practice and cultural humility through the lens of Indigenous Storywork, an Indigenous methodology for teaching and learning developed by Dr. Jo-ann Archibald (Q’um Q’um Xiiem).  

Attendees were guided to reflect on their own stories, centering the relationships, mentors and experiences that have shaped who they are as occupational therapists and as people. They were also encouraged to reflect on their connection to land and place. 

This workshop offered a meaningful opportunity to share Indigenous worldviews within the profession. Nolan and Marie’s hope is that occupational therapy continues to uplift and amplify Indigenous voices across Turtle Island, now and for generations to come. 

Several other faculty members and students also presented research papers and posters at the conference, which is the largest annual gathering of occupational therapy professionals in Canada. 

During the conference, Jenni Diamond (MScOT ‘17) was announced as the 2025 recipient of the CAOT Award for Leadership in Occupational Therapy, recognizing her contributions to the profession and leadership in concussion rehabilitation. 

We are grateful to our community of faculty members and students who represented the department at this year’s conference and who continue to do incredible work for the occupational therapy profession.