NOSM’s Indigenous Reference Group and Ogichidaang Gagiigatiziwin Meet

Using a combination of web- and teleconference connectivity across Northern Ontario, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) held its quarterly meeting of the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) and Ogichidaang Gagiigatiziwin—NOSM’s Circle of Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers—on Tuesday, February 20. Members began their one-day meeting with an opening prayer from Elder Phyllis Shagaubay, followed by a welcome from Dr. Roger Strasser, NOSM Dean.

Dr. David Marsh, Associate Dean, Community Engagement, who is stepping down from his administrative role at the School as of February 28, 2018, thanked the Indigenous Reference Group for their collaboration and support over the past eight years. “I appreciate the time and effort that each member of the Indigenous Reference Group contributes to the valuable work at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine,” says Marsh. Though transitioning out of the Associate Dean role, Marsh will continue as an active faculty member at NOSM devoting his time and energy to clinical service, research and teaching.

Indigenous Reference Group Co-Chairs, Drs. Charles Branch and Shannon Wesley, alumni of NOSM’s Family Medicine residency program, led the meeting. Members of the IRG and Ogichidaang Gagiigatiziwin received updates from Dr. James Goertzen, Assistant Dean, Continuing Education and Professional Development, who spoke about his research Developing Compassionate Physician Leaders in Northern Ontario and Jennifer Fawcett, Director, Postgraduate Education, who reported on NOSM’s Remote First Nations Family Medicine Residency Stream.

The Indigenous Reference Group serves as a resource for the medical school in the fulfilment of its social accountability mandate as it relates to Indigenous health education and research. The Indigenous Reference Group provides guidance, direction and advice to the Dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine as it relates to Indigenous issues, concerns, and interpretation.

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s next Indigenous Reference Group meeting is scheduled to occur in May 2018.