Naomi Peters was proud to cross the UM Convocation platform on May 15 to receive her degree in medicine.
But for Peters, who is Métis, it was also deeply meaningful to attend an earlier celebration on May 13 that honoured Indigenous graduates of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
Indigenous UM students graduating into health professions include (back row, left to right): Allissa Morrice (dentistry), Michael Moore (medicine), Ashley Ricard (medicine) and Alexis Delaronde (dentistry). (Front row, left to right): Marissa Murray (medicine), Naomi Peters (medicine) and Ramona Pelland (dentistry).
The gathering on the Bannatyne campus was held by Ongomiizwin - Education, part of the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing in the Rady Faculty. It included a prayer by Elder-in-Residence Margaret Lavallee and an honour song by Knowledge Keeper George Muswaggon.
Ongomiizwin - Education serves as a welcoming place on campus for Indigenous students enrolled in UM's health professional programs. It provides supports, programs and resources to help students achieve their academic potential and graduate into health careers.
Peters, who is moving on to a residency in psychiatry at UM, said she wanted to say miigwech (thank you) to her Indigenous peers, and to the team at Ongomiizwin who encouraged her during her four years of medical school.
"You gave me a deep sense of belonging," Peters said from the podium. "There would always be an open door, a hug, someone willing to listen, someone willing to share your knowledge. I have so much gratitude."
Chantal Daniels, director of Ongomiizwin - Education, said it's a place where Indigenous students connect and lean on one another.
"In the Indigenous way of living, community is everything . We support our learners not only academically, but mentally and emotionally, as well as culturally. We provide a safe space for them. The senior learners mentor the junior learners. So this is a celebration for our whole community."
Kimberly Hart, senior lead, Indigenous health student affairs at Ongomiizwin - Education, said she is aware of 25 Indigenous students who are receiving Rady Faculty degrees this year. Many were unable to attend the celebration because they are already starting their careers.
The grads represent nearly every Rady program, including dentistry, medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, rehabilitation sciences (physical therapy and occupational therapy) and interdisciplinary health.
"Each of you has worked tirelessly to reach this milestone," Hart said. "You are leaders, healers and advocates for our communities."
Melanie MacKinnon, executive director of Ongomiizwin, told the graduates that if they provide care in underserved Indigenous communities, they will feel a great sense of responsibility.
MacKinnon shared an early experience from her own nursing career in the north. She couldn't understand why a young mother seemed unreasonably fearful about her infant's health and kept returning to the nursing station.
Finally, MacKinnon took the time to "ask the right question" and listen to the mom's traumatic personal story. With that knowledge, she taught the mom nursing skills to assess her baby's respiratory health.
"Don't be afraid to give your patients the confidence and the competencies to look after themselves and their families," she said.
Marissa Murray, a Métis grad whose residency will be in family medicine, is one of 13 newly minted Indigenous physicians in the Medicine Class of 2025.
Before she was accepted into the program, Murray attended an Ongomiizwin - Education workshop that helps Indigenous students prepare for program entrance interviews.
Grateful for all the assistance she received, Murray wanted to pay it forward. So from her second year of medical school on, she tutored other Indigenous students and helped them prepare for clinical exams. She has now trained two Indigenous medical students to continue this work.
Daniels, the Ongomiizwin - Education director, presented each graduate in attendance with a stained-glass eagle feather.
"You have walked a path that has demanded strength, resilience and deep commitment," Daniels said. "As you step into your next chapter we are filled with excitement for the positive change that you will bring to your communities."
