University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine hosts second annual Pow wow
OTTAWA, September 10, 2008 – University of Ottawa community and Aboriginal leaders will gather to celebrate Aboriginal culture at the second annual Faculty of Medicine Pow wow on Wednesday, September 10. The Pow wow will highlight the Faculty's Aboriginal Programand the students admitted to the program since its inception in 2005.
“Through our program and this event, we hope to educate our non-aboriginal students and staff members about aboriginal people and their history, culture and health issues,” says Dr. Jacques Bradwejn, dean of the Faculty of Medicine. “By creating a supportive and encouraging environment, the University of Ottawa is taking a leadership role in serving the health needs of all Aboriginal peoples, both on reserves and in urban communities.”
“This event is a wonderful way of exposing our students to Aboriginal health-care leaders. Aboriginal health is an area of increased focus in the new curriculum and will be integrated into the medical program throughout the four years,” says Dr. Geneviève Moineau, associate dean of undergraduate medical education.
Guests, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit representatives, will attend a smudging ceremony and artistic performances, as well as enjoy Aboriginal culinary specialties. Speakers include the Honourable James K. Bartleman, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and member of the Mnjikaning First Nation, Dr. Marcia Anderson, president, Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, and Mr. Serge Blais, acting director, University of Ottawa Centre for Continuing Education.
WHAT: Faculty of Medicine Aboriginal Program Pow wow
WHEN: Wednesday, September 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Student lounge, Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5
About the Aboriginal Program
The Aboriginal Program welcomed its first Aboriginal medical students in September 2005. Its goal is to graduate more than 100 new Aboriginal physicians by 2020. To learn more about the program, please visit http://www.med.uottawa.ca/aboriginal/eng/.
About the Faculty of Medicine
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa is unique in Canada, offering medical education in both official languages. Supported by the special opportunities offered by national and international institutions in the nation’s capital, the Faculty’s training emphasizes three key areas: competency and skills, professionalism and role modeling, and engagement and leadership in health-care delivery. To learn more about the Faculty of Medicine, please visit www.med.uottawa.ca.
Media contact
Adina Rachiteanu
Communications Officer
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
Telephone: 613-562-5800, extension 8867
Cell: 613-862-8867