Exposing youth to medical fields

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) at Lakehead University has successfully wrapped up another year of the annual NOSM Science Camp.
Twenty-five youth between the ages of 14 and 16 attended the camp, which was held in Thunder Bay.
Tina Armstrong, the Director of Aboriginal Affairs for NOSM, says that the camp aims to inspire youth to explore their options within the medical field.
“What we’re trying to do is tell our young people that anything is possible,” Armstrong said. “As kids, we don’t realize all the areas we can get into.”
The camp aims to motivate youth to realize their potential.
“We had some of our own young people from the North,” Armstrong said. “We hope to inspire them. We want them to become inspired. They can do anything they want.”
One student was Seequan Fiddler, 16, of Kasabonika Lake First Nation. The camp has inspired Fiddler to aim for a career in the medical field.
“It was so cool, really interesting,” Fiddler said of the camp. “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor… I’m not sure which kind yet.”
Fiddler spoke of “stitching” with great enthusiasm.
“We learnt how to stitch up,” Fiddler shared. “That was my favorite part; the stitching part. They (NOSM) have fake bodies that you use. It talks to you. It breathes.”
Other lessons included X Ray rounds, DNA analysis, herbal remedies, healing ceremonies and physiology. Students were also able to explore a range of diverse health careers.
Archie Mekanak, NOSM’s Regional Aboriginal Community Coordinator, saw great value in helping students explore different areas of the medical field.
“All of them said they want to go into the medical field as a career,” Mekanak said. “They’re interested in kinesiology, paramedics… many fields.”
Mekanak noted lessons on herbal remedies as a camp highlight. He said youth were shocked by how accessible some herbal remedies are.
“They were really amazed by the plants available for traditional medicines,” Mekanak said. “The plants are available right on the path.”
In addition to walking the paths of Lakehead University to learn about traditional medicines, students were also able to tour the facilities to learn more about the university.
NOSM is grateful for the support from Wasaya Airlines which allows them to run the camp.
Recruitment for the 2014 NOSM Summer Camp will begin in September. NOSM is interested in increasing the number of First Nations youth in attendance at the camp.