Delegates from Around the World Explore Thunder Bay on the Portage Express, a Community Journey

On Friday, October 12, to Saturday, October 13, 2012, delegates from the Rendez-Vous 2012 world conference will visit various community organizations and cultural sites across Thunder Bay and area, through a program called Portage Express.

Ranging from Aboriginal and Francophone culture, interactive historical displays and treks in the wilderness to health education, research and technology, Northern search and rescue, and on through hospital-centred care, each of these journeys will introduce delegates from around the world to life in our North. More than 30 locations will receive Rendez-Vous 2012 delegates, with some locations such as Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and St. Joseph’s Care Group welcoming delegates to various departments across the organization.

“The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is known for its unique partnerships with community members across Northern Ontario,” explained Dr. Roger Strasser, NOSM Dean. “Understanding the social, cultural and health determinants of Northern Ontario is an integral part of socially accountable health professional education at NOSM. Community sites participating in the Portage Express will showcase the cultural fabric and services of the region that we serve.”

NOSM’s community partners are integral to our model of distributed community-engaged medical learning and research. Portage Express is an opportunity to showcase partnerships like the one between NOSM and the community of Thunder Bay.”

Conference delegates will have the opportunity to visit sites that include, but are not limited to: Alpha Court, Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, Gammondale Farm, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Fort William Historical Park, The Salvation Army Community and Residential Services, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and the Waabi-ma’iingan (Grey Wolf) Traditional Teaching Lodge.  For a full list of organizations participating in the Portage Express, please visit www.rendez-vous2012.ca/community-visits.