Conference examines Aboriginal health from cultural perspective

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Aboriginalhealthconf.jpg” caption=”The Aboriginal Health Conference will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 in the McMaster University Student Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.”]The Student International Health Initiative and McMaster First Nation Student Association will host the fourth annual Aboriginal Health Conference on Saturday, Feb. 2.

Each conference has been aimed at raising awareness of the health challenges faced by the First Nations peoples of Canada and supporting constructive action to address these issues.

Attracting approximately 200 participants each year, the conferences are meeting a need in the McMaster, Hamilton and surrounding communities.

This year's theme, Exploring Health through Cultural Perspectives, will give Aboriginal people the opportunity to share their culture, health beliefs and concerns, creating opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue and education.

The conference will feature keynote speakers Gail Whitlow and Ruby Miller.

Workshops include:

Naturopathic medicine: A step closer to culturally appropriate health care by Dr. Johanne McCarthy, N.D.

Raising cultural awareness amongst undergraduate students by Dr. David Burman, assistant professor, University of Toronto

FASD: A Canadian psychiatric condition, not an Aboriginal condition by Dr. Barry Stanley, M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.S.[C]

Performances include a hoop dance by world-renowned performer Lisa Odjig, a native song and dance performance by John Homer and a musical performace by Wayne Lavallee.

Lisa Odjib is a two-time world champion hoop dancer. She was the first woman to win the world champion title for hoop dancing, performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah and has performed for Queen Elizabeth II.

John Homer teaches native song and dance to Aboriginal students in the Hamilton community and has traveled throughout North America to perform and teach.

Wayne Lavallee is a Juno-nominated, WCMA-nominated and Aboriginal Music Award winning First Nations singer/songwriter.

The Aboriginal Health Conference will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 in the McMaster University Student Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advanced tickets are available at Compass for $5 and can also be purchased at the door for $10.

For more information about the conference, please contact us at aboriginalhealthconference08@gmail.com or check out our website at http://aboriginalhealthconference08.tripod.com/.

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[img_inline align="right" src="http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Aboriginalhealthconf.jpg" caption="The Aboriginal Health Conference will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 in the McMaster University Student Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m."]The Student International Health Initiative and McMaster First Nation Student Association will host the fourth annual Aboriginal Health Conference on Saturday, Feb. 2.<br />
<br />
<p>Each conference has been aimed at raising awareness of the health challenges faced by the First Nations peoples of Canada and supporting constructive action to address these issues.  <br />
<br />
<p>Attracting approximately 200 participants each year, the conferences are meeting a need in the McMaster, Hamilton and surrounding communities. <br />
<br />
<p>This year&#039;s theme, Exploring Health through Cultural Perspectives, will give Aboriginal people the opportunity to share their culture, health beliefs and concerns, creating opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue and education. <br />
<br />
<p>The conference will feature keynote speakers Gail Whitlow and Ruby Miller. <br />
<br />
<p>Workshops include:<br />
<br />
<p><li>Naturopathic medicine: A step closer to culturally appropriate health care by Dr. Johanne McCarthy, N.D.<br />
<br />
<p><li>Raising cultural awareness amongst undergraduate students by Dr. David Burman, assistant professor, University of Toronto<br />
<br />
<p><li>FASD: A Canadian psychiatric condition, not an Aboriginal condition by Dr. Barry Stanley, M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.S.[C] <br />
<br />
<p>Performances include a hoop dance by world-renowned performer Lisa Odjig, a native song and dance performance by John Homer and a musical performace by Wayne Lavallee. <br />
<br />
<p>Lisa Odjib is a two-time world champion hoop dancer. She was the first woman to win the world champion title for hoop dancing, performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah and has performed for Queen Elizabeth II. <br />
<br />
<p>John Homer teaches native song and dance to Aboriginal students in the Hamilton community and has traveled throughout North America to perform and teach. <br />
<br />
<p>Wayne Lavallee is a Juno-nominated, WCMA-nominated and Aboriginal Music Award winning First Nations singer/songwriter.<br />
<br />
<p>The Aboriginal Health Conference will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 in the McMaster University Student Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advanced tickets are available at Compass for $5 and can also be purchased at the door for $10. <br />
<br />
For more information about the conference, please contact us at aboriginalhealthconference08@gmail.com or check out our website at http://aboriginalhealthconference08.tripod.com/.<br />
<br />

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