Dr. Mélanie Morris, associate professor of surgery and pediatrics/child health, is the first Indigenous pediatric surgeon in Canada.
Her contributions to the field include creating a minimally invasive program in pediatric urology. She has published research in pediatric surgery, urology, congenital illnesses and Indigenous health.
Morris has developed pediatric surgery outreach clinics in Nunavut and founded the Winnipeg Global Surgical Office. She is a mentor in the worldwide Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery.
Morris, who is Métis from the St. Laurent/St. Eustache Settlement, is the first person to be appointed lead for Indigenous health at the Winnipeg Childrens Hospital. She has been instrumental in transforming the hospital into a culturally safe space for Indigenous children and their families.
If we want to achieve a meaningful cultural shift for Indigenous child health care, we must continue to stand up as Indigenous women and lead, she says.
Morris provides expertise on surgical care in Indigenous communities at institutions such as the University of British Columbia, where she is cross-appointed as an associate professor.
She advises the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada on the health of Indigenous Peoples and on gender equity, and how best to incorporate this knowledge into surgical education.