Keewaytinook Okimakanak participate in the FedNor sponsored NOMS Curriculum Conference
The new Northern Ontario Medical School (NOMS found at http://www.normed.ca/en) took another step in its development process with 300 people coming together from across Northern Ontario on January 16, 17, 18 in Sault Ste Marie. FedNor (Northern Ontario's Federal Economic Development Program) once again made it possible for everyone to gather for this historical conference. Their generous financial investment continues to ensure the furture social and economic development of Northern Ontario.
Dr. Arthur Kaufman, from New Mexico, stated during his presentation that for every doctor that comes and works in their region, there is an economic spin off of approximately 18 additional jobs for the community. With the new medical school, new resources that will come into this region, businesses and families will once again begin investing and moving to Northern Ontario.
Four people from Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Orpah McKenzie - Health Director, Jim Teskey - Education Advisor, Gibbet Stevens - Telehealth Project Scheduler and Brian Beaton - K-Net Services Coordinator, attended this gathering. As well, Mary Lawson represented McDowell Lake First Nation and James Kakepetum represented Keewaywin First Nation at the first curriculum planning conference. Nishnawbe Aski Nation was well represented at this gathering with both staff and other members from other tribal councils attending.
The new Northern Ontario medical school, with campuses in both Sudbury and and Thunder Bay, promises to engage First Nations from across the region in all aspects of its development and admissions for future Aboriginal doctors!