Indigenous Stories
Perseverance and Compassion From Uganda to Eabametoong First Nation
When Dr. Jacinta Oyella was 10 years old, Uganda was experiencing deadly political unrest caused by a group who committed crimes against humanity. She recalls it as a time that inspired her to find meaning in the suffering around her and to see the good in the hearts of those with the perseverance to care for those in despair. Dr. Jacinta Oyella believes that there are no coincidences in life. Following a harrowing childhood in civil war-torn Uganda, Jacinta immigrated to Canada and eventually joined the Remote First Nations Family Medicine Residency Stream at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). “The program...
Read more
NOSM supporters honoured with Anishinabek Nation Lifetime Achievement Awards
Two friends of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) were recently honoured with Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards at an awards ceremony hosted by the Anishinabek Nation. The awards honour those “who made their communities stronger and who have enriched the lives of many.” Mary Jo Wabano of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory received the Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award for Health. She is the former Health Services Director in Wiikwemkoong. Mary Jo is well known for her academic, research and community work. She has dedicated her career to innovative health projects and remains deeply committed to working with you...
Read more
NOSM medical students’ second menstrual product drive supports Kingfisher Lake First Nation
Indigenous communities, particularly remotely located ones, are faced with numerous health inequities compared with urban settings. Last year, a partnership was announced between Shoppers Drug Mart and the Ontario Government to provide free menstrual products to provincially run school boards for the next three years. Regrettably, this private donation from Shoppers Drug Mart does not extend to federally-run Indigenous school boards. Ironically, menstrual products in Indigenous communities are significantly more expensive and difficult to find. This partnership further exacerbates the health inequities these communities face. Ashley P...
Read more