I had not been back to Chisasibi since residency. My first visit was as a senior resident, at a time when travel to the North was still limited by the pandemic. Yet despite the steep learning curve, that week became a catalyst in shaping my path as a physician learning to build projects with and for the community.

In the middle of all the busyness, a few moments stayed with me. Some came through interruptions I didn’t expect; others through the steady presence of people who help carry the work forward. Sharing these stories brought a quiet sense of purpose—and reminded me why the work matters.

And once more, we crossed that invisible line dividing North and South, back into the world we had left behind.