An Aboriginal Focus
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is committed to meeting the needs of the people of Northern Ontario. At the earliest stages of development, NOSM engaged the Aboriginal communities of Northern Ontario as part of its mandate to be accountable to the cultural diversity of Northern Ontario.
In 2003, Aboriginal people from across Northern Ontario attended a workshop to provide input on the development of the School. Participants of the Follow Your Dreams workshop identified that Aboriginal people were looking for NOSM to be an "Aboriginal friendly" medical school which would:
- Encourage and nurture Aboriginal students into and through medical school;
- Acknowledge and respect Aboriginal history, traditions and cultures;
- Access the expertise and resources in Aboriginal communities;
- Establish partnerships with Aboriginal communities; and,
- Incorporate into the curriculum the challenges and specific health priorities of the Aboriginal communities.
The Aboriginal Affairs Unit at NOSM works to carry out the recommendations of the workshop. In addition, the Unit identifies and implements new initiatives in support of the School’s commitment to Aboriginal communities. Members of the unit:
- Ensure meaningful collaboration with Aboriginal communities;
- Assist in the recruitment of Aboriginal students;
- Recruit Aboriginal host communities for medical students; and,
- Advise the School's senior leadership, committees and working groups.
Contact Information:
Orpah McKenzie
Director, Aboriginal Affairs
Tel: (807) 766-7436
Email: orpah.mckenzie@normed.ca
Ian Peltier
Project Manager
Tel: (705) 662-7297
Email: ian.peltier@normed.ca
Sam Senecal
Regional Aboriginal Community Coordinator
Tel: (705) 254-7826
Email: sam.senecal@normed.ca
Samson Beardy
Regional Aboriginal Community Coordinator
Tel: (807) 766-7466
Email: samson.beardy@normed.ca
Frances Mandamin
Program Coordinator
Tel: (705) 662-7112
Email: frances.mandamin@normed.ca
Sally Monague
Aboriginal Support Worker
Tel: (705) 662-7113
Email: sally.monague@normed.ca
Christeen Jones
Aboriginal Support Worker
Tel: (807) 766-7408
Email: christeen.jones@normed.ca