Biography

Tonya-Leah is Odawa from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve and is a proud Anishinaabe kwe. She is a graduate of Biomedical Science and Indigenous Studies at Trent University and is currently in her second year studying medicine at McMaster University. In her Summers she has gained meaningful research experiences at the SickKids Research Institute, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and most recently at Trent University. As an advocate for Indigenous people’s health, Tonya-Leah has shared her messages through public speaking, writing, policy and performance.

Tonya-Leah’s passion for the arts and health science as well as the incredible support she has received from her family has inspired her to continue working with Indigenous communities to improve health outcomes, promote well-being, and empower fellow Indigenous youth to pursue their dreams.

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ISHS Student Workshop Series Peer Support Sessions
February 27, 2020 – 2:00am

Biography

Tonya-Leah is Odawa from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve and is a proud Anishinaabe kwe. She is a graduate of Biomedical Science and Indigenous Studies at Trent University and is currently in her second year studying medicine at McMaster University. In her Summers she has gained meaningful research experiences at the SickKids Research Institute, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and most recently at Trent University. As an advocate for Indigenous people’s health, Tonya-Leah has shared her messages through public speaking, writing, policy and performance.

Tonya-Leah’s passion for the arts and health science as well as the incredible support she has received from her family has inspired her to continue working with Indigenous communities to improve health outcomes, promote well-being, and empower fellow Indigenous youth to pursue their dreams.

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ISHS Student Workshop Series Peer Support Sessions
February 27, 2020 – 2:00am

Biography

Ben McNiven is a second-year medical student at the NRC. He is a proud member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia. He was born and raised in the Nicola Valley and is the oldest of three siblings to Sharon and Stephen McNiven. Ben graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia. After graduating, he worked for the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology as a Community Education Instructor. He worked in rural and northern parts of British Columbia to deliver education programs to Indigenous students.

Ben’s current activities at McMaster include being a part of the Indigenous Health Interest Group and being a volunteer mentor for the ISHS office. Ben is looking forward to helping the next generation of Indigenous students achieve their goals and help their communities.

Biography

Ben McNiven is a second-year medical student at the NRC. He is a proud member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia. He was born and raised in the Nicola Valley and is the oldest of three siblings to Sharon and Stephen McNiven. Ben graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia. After graduating, he worked for the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology as a Community Education Instructor. He worked in rural and northern parts of British Columbia to deliver education programs to Indigenous students.

Ben’s current activities at McMaster include being a part of the Indigenous Health Interest Group and being a volunteer mentor for the ISHS office. Ben is looking forward to helping the next generation of Indigenous students achieve their goals and help their communities.

RPN to BScN Class of 2017

RPN to BScN Class of 2017

Biography

Psychiatry Residency 1998
MD Class of 1993

Cornelia (Nel) Wieman, MD, FRCPC is Canada’s first female Aboriginal psychiatrist (Anishnawbe – Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Manitoba). She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology (1988) and a Master of Science degree in Biomechanics (1991) from the University of Waterloo. She completed her medical degree (1993) and psychiatry specialty training (1998) at McMaster University in Hamilton. She was also the first Director of the Indigenous Students Health Sciences (ISHS) office at McMaster University. (Formerly known as ASHS)

From 1997-2005, she provided psychiatric services at Six Nations Mental Health Services, a community mental health clinic based on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She was a member of the Advisory Group on Suicide Prevention (2002-2003) that developed a national framework document for the Assembly of First Nations and First Nations & Inuit Health Branch to address the issue of First Nations youth suicide. She served as Deputy Chair of Health Canada’s Research Ethics Board (2002-2005) and was Chair of the Drug Utilization Evaluation Advisory Committee, First Nations & Inuit Health Branch (2004-2012). From 2004-2011, she was the Co-Director of the Indigenous Health Research Development Program and an Assistant Professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She has been a co-investigator on several initiatives funded through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Institute of Aboriginal Peoples Health including the National Network of Aboriginal Mental Health Research (NNAMHR) which she co-directed until 2011. In 2006, she was appointed as a Member of the Indspire (formerly the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation) Board of Directors. In 2007, she was appointed to the First Nations, Inuit and Metis Advisory Committee, part of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Also in 2007, she was appointed to CIHR’s Governing Council.

In 2012, she joined the Clinical Support Team at YWCA Toronto’s Elm Centre providing psychiatric services to over 100 women living with serious mental illness & addictions and became a member of Inner City Health Associates, delivering front-line psychiatric services to Toronto’s homeless population as part of the HOPE Program. She was also appointed as a special consultant to the Chief Public Health Officer of the Public Health Agency of Canada. In February 2013, she joined the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) as a staff psychiatrist, working in various programs including the Aboriginal Services Unit, Telepsychiatry Service (Northern Psychiatric Outreach Program), Crisis Clinic and General Assessment Clinic.

She was a 1998 recipient of a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, recognizing career achievement in the category of medicine. In 2002, she was the inaugural recipient of the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Alumni Achievement Award. In February 2013, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

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The OMA and my cloak of racism, By Dr. Nel Wieman
May 8, 2018

Biography

Psychiatry Residency 1998
MD Class of 1993

Cornelia (Nel) Wieman, MD, FRCPC is Canada’s first female Aboriginal psychiatrist (Anishnawbe – Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Manitoba). She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology (1988) and a Master of Science degree in Biomechanics (1991) from the University of Waterloo. She completed her medical degree (1993) and psychiatry specialty training (1998) at McMaster University in Hamilton. She was also the first Director of the Indigenous Students Health Sciences (ISHS) office at McMaster University. (Formerly known as ASHS)

From 1997-2005, she provided psychiatric services at Six Nations Mental Health Services, a community mental health clinic based on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She was a member of the Advisory Group on Suicide Prevention (2002-2003) that developed a national framework document for the Assembly of First Nations and First Nations & Inuit Health Branch to address the issue of First Nations youth suicide. She served as Deputy Chair of Health Canada’s Research Ethics Board (2002-2005) and was Chair of the Drug Utilization Evaluation Advisory Committee, First Nations & Inuit Health Branch (2004-2012). From 2004-2011, she was the Co-Director of the Indigenous Health Research Development Program and an Assistant Professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She has been a co-investigator on several initiatives funded through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Institute of Aboriginal Peoples Health including the National Network of Aboriginal Mental Health Research (NNAMHR) which she co-directed until 2011. In 2006, she was appointed as a Member of the Indspire (formerly the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation) Board of Directors. In 2007, she was appointed to the First Nations, Inuit and Metis Advisory Committee, part of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Also in 2007, she was appointed to CIHR’s Governing Council.

In 2012, she joined the Clinical Support Team at YWCA Toronto’s Elm Centre providing psychiatric services to over 100 women living with serious mental illness & addictions and became a member of Inner City Health Associates, delivering front-line psychiatric services to Toronto’s homeless population as part of the HOPE Program. She was also appointed as a special consultant to the Chief Public Health Officer of the Public Health Agency of Canada. In February 2013, she joined the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) as a staff psychiatrist, working in various programs including the Aboriginal Services Unit, Telepsychiatry Service (Northern Psychiatric Outreach Program), Crisis Clinic and General Assessment Clinic.

She was a 1998 recipient of a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, recognizing career achievement in the category of medicine. In 2002, she was the inaugural recipient of the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Alumni Achievement Award. In February 2013, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

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The OMA and my cloak of racism, By Dr. Nel Wieman
May 8, 2018

Biography

MD Class of 2018

Dr. Tosh Mizzau is Ojibway with roots on Manitoulin Island (Wikwemikong and Whitefish River First Nations). Prior to medical school, Tosh completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Western University in London, Ontario. He then went on to pursue his Bachelor of Education, becoming a high school Biology and Science teacher. Upon completion of his B. Ed he started to work for Indigenous Services at Western University in their youth programming department. As a member of IS, Tosh has worked to coordinate opportunities for aboriginal youth to gain exposure to post-secondary education. Since starting medical school, Tosh has become a member of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada as well as co-chair of the McMaster Medicine Indigenous Health Interest Group. With IHIG he was able to help his medical school peers better understand the unique challenges of working with Indigenous patients. He hopes to pursue a career in medicine with focus on addressing disparity in health outcomes for First Nations patients.

Dr. Mizzau will be completing his residency in rural family medicine in Grande Prairie Alberta.

Biography

MD Class of 2018

Dr. Tosh Mizzau is Ojibway with roots on Manitoulin Island (Wikwemikong and Whitefish River First Nations). Prior to medical school, Tosh completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Western University in London, Ontario. He then went on to pursue his Bachelor of Education, becoming a high school Biology and Science teacher. Upon completion of his B. Ed he started to work for Indigenous Services at Western University in their youth programming department. As a member of IS, Tosh has worked to coordinate opportunities for aboriginal youth to gain exposure to post-secondary education. Since starting medical school, Tosh has become a member of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada as well as co-chair of the McMaster Medicine Indigenous Health Interest Group. With IHIG he was able to help his medical school peers better understand the unique challenges of working with Indigenous patients. He hopes to pursue a career in medicine with focus on addressing disparity in health outcomes for First Nations patients.

Dr. Mizzau will be completing his residency in rural family medicine in Grande Prairie Alberta.

Biography

After several years working in the non-profit sector, with a focus on Indigenous Peoples health and reclamation of Indigenous Food Systems, Elisa has embarked on a new learning journey. She is in the class of 2021 at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine’s Niagara Regional Campus. Elisa contributes leadership to the Edkaagmik Nbiizh Neyaashiinigamiingninwag Edbendaagzijig Trust and the Anishnawbe Health Foundation as a board director. She draws upon a Master of Public Health from Lakehead University and a Bachelor of Applied Science from Ryerson University. Elisa is proudly Anishinaabe, a mother of two, and a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation in Ontario and also considers Elsipogtog First Nation home. Elisa aspires to work as a family physician at Neyaashiinigmiing and surrounding communities in the Bruce Peninsula and work as a consultant in public health.

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June 15, 2021

A COVID-19 fireside chat with Indigenous Health Professionals
March 31, 2020

Biography

After several years working in the non-profit sector, with a focus on Indigenous Peoples health and reclamation of Indigenous Food Systems, Elisa has embarked on a new learning journey. She is in the class of 2021 at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine’s Niagara Regional Campus. Elisa contributes leadership to the Edkaagmik Nbiizh Neyaashiinigamiingninwag Edbendaagzijig Trust and the Anishnawbe Health Foundation as a board director. She draws upon a Master of Public Health from Lakehead University and a Bachelor of Applied Science from Ryerson University. Elisa is proudly Anishinaabe, a mother of two, and a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation in Ontario and also considers Elsipogtog First Nation home. Elisa aspires to work as a family physician at Neyaashiinigmiing and surrounding communities in the Bruce Peninsula and work as a consultant in public health.

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June 15, 2021

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March 31, 2020

Biography

Curtis Sobchak is an Internal Medicine Resident at McMaster University. Curtis is of Mohawk background and was born in St. Catharines, Ontario. He attended the University of Toronto, where he completed a double major in physiology and global health and a minor in classical civilization, before completing medical school also at the University of Toronto. During this time, Curtis also pursued research projects at the Hospital for Sick Children and Women’s College Hospital regarding lung and GI physiology and psoriatic arthritis.

Throughout medical school, Curtis has been a strong advocate for both Indigenous and marginalized communities. He was a member of the Indigenous Student Application Program (ISAP) of MD Admissions, created the Indigenous Student Handbook, coordinated the Varsity Docs afterschool program, and has volunteered within the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.

Now in residency, Curtis has set his sights upon subspecializing in rheumatology. He hopes to combine his interests in rheumatology and Indigenous health, addressing clinical issues such as the lack of specialists available to marginalized and Indigenous communities, while also investigating the relationship between these communities and higher disease burden. Curtis looks forward to incorporating Indigenous values and health into his training and hopes to continue to advocate for improving diversity in medical professions.

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Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Plenary: A Celebration of Research and Professional Excellence, 2021
June 15, 2021

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January 14, 2021 – 10:30am to April 1, 2021 – 12:00pm

ISHS Student Workshop Series Peer Support Sessions
March 18, 2020 – 1:00am

ISHS Student Workshop Series: From undergrad to postgrad medical education
February 25, 2020 – 2:30am

Biography

Curtis Sobchak is an Internal Medicine Resident at McMaster University. Curtis is of Mohawk background and was born in St. Catharines, Ontario. He attended the University of Toronto, where he completed a double major in physiology and global health and a minor in classical civilization, before completing medical school also at the University of Toronto. During this time, Curtis also pursued research projects at the Hospital for Sick Children and Women’s College Hospital regarding lung and GI physiology and psoriatic arthritis.

Throughout medical school, Curtis has been a strong advocate for both Indigenous and marginalized communities. He was a member of the Indigenous Student Application Program (ISAP) of MD Admissions, created the Indigenous Student Handbook, coordinated the Varsity Docs afterschool program, and has volunteered within the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.

Now in residency, Curtis has set his sights upon subspecializing in rheumatology. He hopes to combine his interests in rheumatology and Indigenous health, addressing clinical issues such as the lack of specialists available to marginalized and Indigenous communities, while also investigating the relationship between these communities and higher disease burden. Curtis looks forward to incorporating Indigenous values and health into his training and hopes to continue to advocate for improving diversity in medical professions.

Related News

Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Plenary: A Celebration of Research and Professional Excellence, 2021
June 15, 2021

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ISHS Student Workshop Series: Peer Support
January 14, 2021 – 10:30am to April 1, 2021 – 12:00pm

ISHS Student Workshop Series Peer Support Sessions
March 18, 2020 – 1:00am

ISHS Student Workshop Series: From undergrad to postgrad medical education
February 25, 2020 – 2:30am

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MD Class of 2017

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Biography

MD Class of 2018
BHSc Class of 2015

Erin is a recent graduate of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Prior to this, she graduated from the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at McMaster University in 2015. Throughout undergrad and Medical School, she was active with the Indigenous Students Health Sciences group, transitioning from a mentee to a mentor. Outside of school, Erin enjoys spending time outdoors. She took advantage of her time in Hamilton exploring the many hiking trails in the region.

Erin is beginning Family Medicine residency with Northern Ontario School of Medicine. The majority of her training will be based in Huntsville, Ontario. Erin and her fiancé, Nelson, are looking forward to calling Huntsville home and starting their careers within the community.

Biography

MD Class of 2018
BHSc Class of 2015

Erin is a recent graduate of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Prior to this, she graduated from the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at McMaster University in 2015. Throughout undergrad and Medical School, she was active with the Indigenous Students Health Sciences group, transitioning from a mentee to a mentor. Outside of school, Erin enjoys spending time outdoors. She took advantage of her time in Hamilton exploring the many hiking trails in the region.

Erin is beginning Family Medicine residency with Northern Ontario School of Medicine. The majority of her training will be based in Huntsville, Ontario. Erin and her fiancé, Nelson, are looking forward to calling Huntsville home and starting their careers within the community.

Graduating Class

MD Class of 1981

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January 22, 2021

Graduating Class

MD Class of 1981

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January 22, 2021

Biography

Sago! My name is Maggie, my pronouns are she/her, and I’m Mohawk Wolf Clan & Scottish from Six Nations. I’m currently in my 4th year of an Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree majoring in Biochemistry. I have been lucky to have been involved in the Indigenous community at McMaster since my 1st year here, and am so excited to continue my involvement this year as Co-Chair of the Indigenous Health Movement, and as an ISHS mentor!

I went to high school in Brantford, ON, and have worked as a tour guide at the Mohawk Institute former residential school, as well as a music teacher, lab assistant with the Daniel Lab, and research assistant with the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research. I’m currently completing my thesis with Dr. Thomas Hawke looking at the role of myokines in regulating glucose & insulin homeostasis in those with type 2 diabetes.

I like to spend time playing music, going on hikes, beading, and watching SNL clips on repeat. I just finished applying to Med school for the upcoming year and am also considering doing a Kanien’kéha language program next fall. Hit me up if you ever want to talk preventative medicine, institutional racism, surviving a Western science program, land & community-based healing, or jazz!

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Indigenous Mentor Program Student Workshop: Health and Wellness with Kathy Knott
February 24, 2021 – 10:30am

Biography

Sago! My name is Maggie, my pronouns are she/her, and I’m Mohawk Wolf Clan & Scottish from Six Nations. I’m currently in my 4th year of an Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree majoring in Biochemistry. I have been lucky to have been involved in the Indigenous community at McMaster since my 1st year here, and am so excited to continue my involvement this year as Co-Chair of the Indigenous Health Movement, and as an ISHS mentor!

I went to high school in Brantford, ON, and have worked as a tour guide at the Mohawk Institute former residential school, as well as a music teacher, lab assistant with the Daniel Lab, and research assistant with the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research. I’m currently completing my thesis with Dr. Thomas Hawke looking at the role of myokines in regulating glucose & insulin homeostasis in those with type 2 diabetes.

I like to spend time playing music, going on hikes, beading, and watching SNL clips on repeat. I just finished applying to Med school for the upcoming year and am also considering doing a Kanien’kéha language program next fall. Hit me up if you ever want to talk preventative medicine, institutional racism, surviving a Western science program, land & community-based healing, or jazz!

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Indigenous Mentor Program Student Workshop: Health and Wellness with Kathy Knott
February 24, 2021 – 10:30am

Biography

Adjunct Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine
Family Medicine Residency 2013
MD Class of 2011

Dr. Amy Montour is an Oneida woman from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She has completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Medicine degrees at McMaster University. Amy works clinically as a palliative care physician and family physician for the elderly. In addition, she currently sits as the Indigenous Health Consultant to the Department of Family Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University, the Regional Aboriginal Clinical Lead for Juravinski Regional Cancer Program and Regional Palliative Care Clinical Co-Lead for the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network.

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March 24, 2021 – 1:30pm

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March 15, 2019 – 8:30am to 3:30pm

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November 14, 2017 – 5:30pm

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October 25, 2018

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June 30, 2018

Biography

Adjunct Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine
Family Medicine Residency 2013
MD Class of 2011

Dr. Amy Montour is an Oneida woman from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She has completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Medicine degrees at McMaster University. Amy works clinically as a palliative care physician and family physician for the elderly. In addition, she currently sits as the Indigenous Health Consultant to the Department of Family Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University, the Regional Aboriginal Clinical Lead for Juravinski Regional Cancer Program and Regional Palliative Care Clinical Co-Lead for the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network.

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March 24, 2021 – 1:30pm

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March 15, 2019 – 8:30am to 3:30pm

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November 14, 2017 – 5:30pm

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MPH Class of 2017

RPN to BScN Class of 2015

MPH Class of 2017

RPN to BScN Class of 2015

Biography

2020/2021: On Mentor sabbatical

Eric is from the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation where he lives with his wife and three daughters. He completed a combined BA in Health Aging and Society and Indigenous Studies at McMaster University. Eric is currently employed as a paramedic with Six Nations and is currently in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Class of 2020. After medical school, Eric hopes to work as an emergency physician as well as practice family medicine in his community.

Biography

2020/2021: On Mentor sabbatical

Eric is from the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation where he lives with his wife and three daughters. He completed a combined BA in Health Aging and Society and Indigenous Studies at McMaster University. Eric is currently employed as a paramedic with Six Nations and is currently in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Class of 2020. After medical school, Eric hopes to work as an emergency physician as well as practice family medicine in his community.

Biography

Olivia is an Algonquin First Nation from the Bonnechere community located in Renfrew Ontario, however, she was born and raised in Peterborough. Currently, she is in her third year of the Bachelor of Health Science program core stream. She is also part of the Indigenous Health Movement Leadership team at McMaster.  Currently, Olivia is involved in research at McMaster University with the department of paediatrics to determine psychological resilience factors present in Indigenous youth in Canada and the United States. Outside of school, Olivia participates in a variety of musical and theatrical activities.

Olivia aspires to one day become a family physician, and serve rural communities in Ontario.  She is very excited to be an ISHS mentor this year and help the next generation of Indigenous students pursue their dreams.

Biography

Olivia is an Algonquin First Nation from the Bonnechere community located in Renfrew Ontario, however, she was born and raised in Peterborough. Currently, she is in her third year of the Bachelor of Health Science program core stream. She is also part of the Indigenous Health Movement Leadership team at McMaster.  Currently, Olivia is involved in research at McMaster University with the department of paediatrics to determine psychological resilience factors present in Indigenous youth in Canada and the United States. Outside of school, Olivia participates in a variety of musical and theatrical activities.

Olivia aspires to one day become a family physician, and serve rural communities in Ontario.  She is very excited to be an ISHS mentor this year and help the next generation of Indigenous students pursue their dreams.

Biography

Adrian began his education at McMaster in the inaugural class of the Medical Radiation Science program. He obtained his naturopathic doctor degree (ND) at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and has practiced as a licensed naturopathic doctor in various integrative and Indigenous settings including Hamilton’s De Dwa Da Dehs Nye>s Health Access Centre. In 2016, Adrian returned to McMaster to continue his education at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. His current professional pursuits are in primary care, and hospital medicine

Biography

Adrian began his education at McMaster in the inaugural class of the Medical Radiation Science program. He obtained his naturopathic doctor degree (ND) at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and has practiced as a licensed naturopathic doctor in various integrative and Indigenous settings including Hamilton’s De Dwa Da Dehs Nye>s Health Access Centre. In 2016, Adrian returned to McMaster to continue his education at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. His current professional pursuits are in primary care, and hospital medicine

Biography

Elizabeth is a medical student at the Waterloo Regional Campus. She is Red River Métis and a member of the Manitoba Metis Federation. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics at McMaster and has a graduate certificate in creative writing. After graduating, she worked in undergraduate and graduate admissions at an Ontario university.

Her particular interests lie in Indigenous identity, arts in medicine and equitable admissions for marginalized populations.

Biography

Elizabeth is a medical student at the Waterloo Regional Campus. She is Red River Métis and a member of the Manitoba Metis Federation. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics at McMaster and has a graduate certificate in creative writing. After graduating, she worked in undergraduate and graduate admissions at an Ontario university.

Her particular interests lie in Indigenous identity, arts in medicine and equitable admissions for marginalized populations.

Biography

Hello my name is Seanna Geary,

I was born and raised in Northwestern Ontario,  with my hometown being Red Lake. I am both a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation and Métis Nation of Ontario. I entered the Midwifery Program at McMaster directly from high school. I am currently in year two of the program. One of the reasons I decided to pursue midwifery was because women in my town, the surrounding towns/city and reserves sadly have to leave their communities to give birth. My hopes are to return to fulfill this need, and continue to support the birthing movement (as a normal concept). With my post post-secondary education, I will be able to support mothers and babies, and provide interprofessional care (the ability to bring together the resources needed, physically, mentally and spiritually for each client to have the best birthing experience they can). I look forward to being an ISHS mentor this year to assist incoming students, as well as Indigenous youth in my community as they navigate through challenges, and so they can have the best possible post-secondary experience!

Some of my hobbies include working out, hiking, figure skating and spending summers at our fishing lodge!

Biography

Hello my name is Seanna Geary,

I was born and raised in Northwestern Ontario,  with my hometown being Red Lake. I am both a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation and Métis Nation of Ontario. I entered the Midwifery Program at McMaster directly from high school. I am currently in year two of the program. One of the reasons I decided to pursue midwifery was because women in my town, the surrounding towns/city and reserves sadly have to leave their communities to give birth. My hopes are to return to fulfill this need, and continue to support the birthing movement (as a normal concept). With my post post-secondary education, I will be able to support mothers and babies, and provide interprofessional care (the ability to bring together the resources needed, physically, mentally and spiritually for each client to have the best birthing experience they can). I look forward to being an ISHS mentor this year to assist incoming students, as well as Indigenous youth in my community as they navigate through challenges, and so they can have the best possible post-secondary experience!

Some of my hobbies include working out, hiking, figure skating and spending summers at our fishing lodge!

Biography

Alysha Laviolette is a third year medical student at the NRC, a member of the Métis nation, and originally from Nanaimo, British Columbia. Alysha completed a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Biology at the Vancouver Island University. During her undergraduate, she worked as a Veterinary Assistant, and then as a First Responder for the BC Ferries. In her spare time, Alysha volunteered for the Students Offering Support (SOS) at the Vancouver Island University, where she provided tutoring support for other undergraduate students in the biology program. She also mentored a local, female, hockey team where she coached young skaters and provided support both on and off the ice.

Alysha is currently involved in the Indigenous Health Interest Group at McMaster, has participated in the Come Explore Health Careers Day, and is helping run and plan the Indigenous Children’s Health Symposium 2019. She is especially interested in learning more about issues surrounding Indigenous communities and Indigenous health. Alysha hopes to be a mentor for other Indigenous students entering the McMaster MD program.

Biography

Alysha Laviolette is a third year medical student at the NRC, a member of the Métis nation, and originally from Nanaimo, British Columbia. Alysha completed a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Biology at the Vancouver Island University. During her undergraduate, she worked as a Veterinary Assistant, and then as a First Responder for the BC Ferries. In her spare time, Alysha volunteered for the Students Offering Support (SOS) at the Vancouver Island University, where she provided tutoring support for other undergraduate students in the biology program. She also mentored a local, female, hockey team where she coached young skaters and provided support both on and off the ice.

Alysha is currently involved in the Indigenous Health Interest Group at McMaster, has participated in the Come Explore Health Careers Day, and is helping run and plan the Indigenous Children’s Health Symposium 2019. She is especially interested in learning more about issues surrounding Indigenous communities and Indigenous health. Alysha hopes to be a mentor for other Indigenous students entering the McMaster MD program.

Biography

Stepfanie Johnston is an Anishinaabe-kwe from Northern Ontario with family from Elliot Lake and Serpent River First Nation. Stepfanie is currently a first-year medical student at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University.

Stepfanie completed her Honours B.A. Specialization in Indigenous Studies with a minor in Indigenous Healing and Wellness at Laurentian University. Her honours thesis research focused on the perspectives of Anishinaabemowin and language learning where she explored the connection between culture and learning Anishinaabemowin as a second language and how it can positively impact our health and well-being.

She completed her M.A. in Anthropology with a Collaborative Specialization in Indigenous Health at the University of Toronto. Her master’s thesis focused how to empower Indigenous women and youth through culturally relevant physical activity.

Stepfanie has an interest in Indigenous Health and Rural Emergency and Family Medicine.

Biography

Stepfanie Johnston is an Anishinaabe-kwe from Northern Ontario with family from Elliot Lake and Serpent River First Nation. Stepfanie is currently a first-year medical student at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University.

Stepfanie completed her Honours B.A. Specialization in Indigenous Studies with a minor in Indigenous Healing and Wellness at Laurentian University. Her honours thesis research focused on the perspectives of Anishinaabemowin and language learning where she explored the connection between culture and learning Anishinaabemowin as a second language and how it can positively impact our health and well-being.

She completed her M.A. in Anthropology with a Collaborative Specialization in Indigenous Health at the University of Toronto. Her master’s thesis focused how to empower Indigenous women and youth through culturally relevant physical activity.

Stepfanie has an interest in Indigenous Health and Rural Emergency and Family Medicine.