Cultural connectedness has been associated with increased self-esteem and mental health among Indigenous peoples. Physical activity is an important contributor to health, though the importance of culture as a determinant of physical activity for Indigenous peoples in Canada is unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in cultural connectedness between Indigenous adults in Canada achieving high and low physical activity levels. Questionnaires evaluated cultural connectedness and physical activity. Indigenous adults were classified into high and low physical activity groups at the specific group mean and as meeting or not meeting musculoskeletal activity guidelines of twice per week. First Nations and specifically Cree/Nehiyaw First Nations adults who were more physically active reported greater identity, spirituality, traditions, exploration, commitment, affirmation/belonging and overall cultural connectedness. Cultural connectedness elements of commitment, exploration, identity, affirmation/belonging, traditions, spirituality and overall cultural connectedness were not different between high and low physical activity Métis adults. Musculoskeletal activity was not associated with any elements of cultural connectedness among any Indigenous identity. Cultural connectedness is a protective factor for physical activity among First Nations and Cree/Nehiyaw First Nations, but not among Métis adults in Canada. Novelty Bullets: • Musculoskeletal activity was not associated with cultural connectedness • Cultural connectedness is a protective factor of physical activity for First Nations • Moving away from one’s home community was associated with lower cultural connectedness for Indigenous peoples

Implication Statement COVID-19 pandemic restrictions abruptly changed the way interviews for medical school admissions have been conducted. This study is unique as it highlights the first successful virtual synchronous multiple mini interview (MMI) in Canada. Our low technical incident rate, troubleshooting strategies and approach may reassure other medical schools considering conducting a virtual MMI. Success was achieved with collaboration, a strong organizational and communication strategy, learning along the way and a priori contingency plans. Virtual interviewing in academic medicine is likely here to stay, and future work to highlight the impact on applicants will help to build on the diversity mission in undergraduate medicine admissions.

Colonization impacts Indigenous Peoples’ way of life, culture, language, community structure and social networks. Links between social determinants of health and physical activity (PA) among Indigenous Peoples in Saskatchewan, with 16% Indigenous residents, are unclear. This cross-sectional study guided by Indigenous Community Advisors, compared moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), traditional Indigenous PA and musculoskeletal PA with social determinants of Indigenous, (n=124), including First Nations (n=80, including 57 Cree/Nehiyawak) and Métis (n=41), adults in Saskatchewan. Participants completed Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time PA, Social Support Index and traditional Indigenous PA participation questionnaires. Regression associated positive perception of social support with MVPA (R=0.306, p=0.02), while residential school experiences (R=0.338, p=0.02) and community support (R=0.412, p=0.01) were associated with traditional Indigenous PA participation. Among Métis, discrimination experiences were associated with traditional Indigenous PA participation (R=0.459, p=0.01). Traditional Indigenous PA participation was associated with community support among First Nations (R=0.263, p=0.04), and also foster care placement (R=0.480, p=0.01) for Cree/Nehiyawak First Nations specifically. Among Cree/Nehiyawak, family support (R=0.354, p=0.04), discrimination experiences (R=0.531, p=0.01) and positive perceptions of support (R=0.610, p=0.003) were associated with musculoskeletal PA. Greater community, family and perceived social support, and experiences of discrimination, residential school and foster care are associated with more PA for Indigenous Peoples. Novelty: • Positive support perceptions predict physical activity among Indigenous Peoples • Family support, discrimination experiences and positive support perceptions predict physical activity for Cree/Nehiyawak First Nations. Traditional physical activity was predicted by residential school experiences and community support (Indigenous Peoples), discrimination experiences (Métis), community support (First Nations), and foster care experiences (Cree/Nehiyawak)

Background: The physician workforce in Saskatchewan depends upon the retention of locally trained physicians. Characteristics collected at the time of medical school application may predict future practice location, but these associations have not been explored. Methods: We identified the current practice location of University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine graduates who matriculated between 2000 and 2013 and extracted data from their admission applications including gender, age, high school, previous university, and current location at the time of application. We then conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate associations between these characteristics and rural- and Saskatchewan-based practice. Results: We identified the current practice location of 1,001 (98.9%) of the graduates of the included cohorts. Attending a Saskatchewan high school (p < 0.001), a high school in a smaller population center (p < 0.01), and a Saskatchewan university (p < 0.001) were predictive of Saskatchewan-based practice. Attending a high school outside of Saskatchewan (p < 0.05), a high school in a smaller population center (p < 0.001), and living in a small population centre at the time of application (p < 0.05) were predictive of rural-based practice within or outside of Saskatchewan. Conclusion: Demographic characteristics collected at time of medical school application are associated with future Saskatchewan- and rural-based practice. These findings will guide admissions policies in Saskatchewan and may inform admission practices of other medical schools.

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