​VPs Indigenous Health - Nominees​

Britt Voaklander

BIO
 
I am Métis women from Edmonton. My family originates from Red River and then moved to Northwestern Ontario, but I grew up in Edmonton and am a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Prior to attending medical school, I did an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with an embedded certificate in Indigenous sport and recreation and an MSc in Epidemiology at the University of Alberta. In addition to my education background, I previously worked for the Métis Nation of Alberta as a research and project coordinator where I was actively engaged with the community as well as government and university partners on various research and health projects. In my free time I like to stay active, hang out with other people’s puppies and watch reality TV.
 
PLATFORM
 
I am hoping through this position to be a part of further building the community of Indigenous medical students. Being Indigenous in colonial institutions brings its own unique set of challenges and it can make all the difference to have a strong Indigenous peer network. I would like to continue the work to create a safe and inclusive space to have productive discourse on Indigenous health and issues in Canada. Lastly, I hope to provide an Indigenous perspective on the current Medical School curriculum.

Cheyenne Bates

BIO
 
Hello & Tawnshi! My name is Cheyenne, I am a student here at the Hamilton campus and am Red River Métis. I grew up in Manitoba, went to high school in Ottawa, and my family currently lives in Saskatchewan so I've lived a little bit all over. I did my undergraduate degree at Queen's University in Life Science, with a minor in Music. I am looking forward to getting to know you all better as we continue through this journey of medical education together.
 
Fun Fact about myself: I love theater and improv! I even used to work as the president for Queen's Improv Club
 
PLATFORM
 
A very important component about Indigenous Health is ensuring that future healthcare practitioners are equipped with proper education. This includes:
  • Teachings about Indigenous ways of knowing in relation to health and well-being
  • The barriers of accessing healthcare, and the unique health needs of Indigenous Peoples
  • Breaking down stereotypes and biases
These all help bridge the gaps there are in healthcare, and I believe are best taught in interactive environments (e.g. workshops) to allow students to engage with the material fully.
 
Additionally, supporting Indigenous students through their medical education is key, and I would like to act as a linking body between Indigenous students, and the various services on campus, like the IHS and Indigenous Health IG.