Since obtaining her BScN from Laurentian University nine years ago Amanda has been working in different health care sectors, most recently within palliative and complex care in the hospital setting. During her nursing career she has obtained a BA in Gerontology and has recently started her MScN at McMaster University. She plans to complete the combined MScN and Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program, with the intent of providing primary care to Indigenous populations. Amanda is a busy mother of 3 and an Anishnaabe-kwe from Wikwemikong First Nation. Amanda aspires to improve the health of Indigenous people with a focus on youth mental health and chronic disease management.

Josiah is Nehiyaw/Plains Cree originating from Saddle Lake First Nation in Alberta with family throughout the Prairies.  His undergraduate degree was in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at University of Toronto.  He is a member of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine Class of 2021.

Josiah is heavily involved in both the Sioux Lookout and Weeneebayko Health Authorities in Northern Ontario.  He is closely involved in the pandemic planning and resource allocation for these regions and continues to work on elevating the standard of care for fly-in communities.

At McMaster, Josiah is involved with Indigenous Health curriculum planning for the UGME and helping coordinate the Medical School Entrance Interview workshop for Indigenous students. He has also been involved in advising some of the Indigenous Health policy decisions in the Faculty of Health Sciences.  He loves his ISHS family and welcomes all questions!

Hello my name is Seanna Geary,

I was born and raised in Northwestern Ontario,  with my hometown being Red Lake. I am both a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation and Métis Nation of Ontario. I entered the Midwifery Program at McMaster directly from high school. I am currently in year two of the program. One of the reasons I decided to pursue midwifery was because women in my town, the surrounding towns/city and reserves sadly have to leave their communities to give birth. My hopes are to return to fulfill this need, and continue to support the birthing movement (as a normal concept). With my post post-secondary education, I will be able to support mothers and babies, and provide interprofessional care (the ability to bring together the resources needed, physically, mentally and spiritually for each client to have the best birthing experience they can). I look forward to being an ISHS mentor this year to assist incoming students, as well as Indigenous youth in my community as they navigate through challenges, and so they can have the best possible post-secondary experience!

Some of my hobbies include working out, hiking, figure skating and spending summers at our fishing lodge!

Olivia is an Algonquin First Nation from the Bonnechere community located in Renfrew Ontario, however, she was born and raised in Peterborough. Currently, she is in her third year of the Bachelor of Health Science program core stream. She is also part of the Indigenous Health Movement Leadership team at McMaster.  Currently, Olivia is involved in research at McMaster University with the department of paediatrics to determine psychological resilience factors present in Indigenous youth in Canada and the United States. Outside of school, Olivia participates in a variety of musical and theatrical activities.

Olivia aspires to one day become a family physician, and serve rural communities in Ontario.  She is very excited to be an ISHS mentor this year and help the next generation of Indigenous students pursue their dreams.

Stepfanie Johnston is an Anishinaabe-kwe from Northern Ontario with family from Elliot Lake and Serpent River First Nation. Stepfanie is currently a first-year medical student at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University.

Stepfanie completed her Honours B.A. Specialization in Indigenous Studies with a minor in Indigenous Healing and Wellness at Laurentian University. Her honours thesis research focused on the perspectives of Anishinaabemowin and language learning where she explored the connection between culture and learning Anishinaabemowin as a second language and how it can positively impact our health and well-being.

She completed her M.A. in Anthropology with a Collaborative Specialization in Indigenous Health at the University of Toronto. Her master’s thesis focused how to empower Indigenous women and youth through culturally relevant physical activity.

Stepfanie has an interest in Indigenous Health and Rural Emergency and Family Medicine.

Elizabeth is a medical student at the Waterloo Regional Campus. She is Red River Métis and a member of the Manitoba Metis Federation. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics at McMaster and has a graduate certificate in creative writing. After graduating, she worked in undergraduate and graduate admissions at an Ontario university. 

Her particular interests lie in Indigenous identity, arts in medicine and equitable admissions for marginalized populations. 

Alysha Laviolette is a third year medical student at the NRC, a member of the Métis nation, and originally from Nanaimo, British Columbia. Alysha completed a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Biology at the Vancouver Island University. During her undergraduate, she worked as a Veterinary Assistant, and then as a First Responder for the BC Ferries. In her spare time, Alysha volunteered for the Students Offering Support (SOS) at the Vancouver Island University, where she provided tutoring support for other undergraduate students in the biology program. She also mentored a local, female, hockey team where she coached young skaters and provided support both on and off the ice.   

Alysha is currently involved in the Indigenous Health Interest Group at McMaster, has participated in the Come Explore Health Careers Day, and is helping run and plan the Indigenous Children's Health Symposium 2019. She is especially interested in learning more about issues surrounding Indigenous communities and Indigenous health. Alysha hopes to be a mentor for other Indigenous students entering the McMaster MD program.

After several years working in the non-profit sector, with a focus on Indigenous Peoples health and reclamation of Indigenous Food Systems, Elisa has embarked on a new learning journey. She is in the class of 2021 at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine’s Niagara Regional Campus. Elisa contributes leadership to the Edkaagmik Nbiizh Neyaashiinigamiingninwag Edbendaagzijig Trust and the Anishnawbe Health Foundation as a board director. She draws upon a Master of Public Health from Lakehead University and a Bachelor of Applied Science from Ryerson University. Elisa is proudly Anishinaabe, a mother of two, and a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation in Ontario and also considers Elsipogtog First Nation home. Elisa aspires to work as a family physician at Neyaashiinigmiing and surrounding communities in the Bruce Peninsula and work as a consultant in public health. 

Ben McNiven is a second-year medical student at the NRC. He is a proud member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia. He was born and raised in the Nicola Valley and is the oldest of three siblings to Sharon and Stephen McNiven. Ben graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia. After graduating, he worked for the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology as a Community Education Instructor. He worked in rural and northern parts of British Columbia to deliver education programs to Indigenous students.

Ben’s current activities at McMaster include being a part of the Indigenous Health Interest Group and being a volunteer mentor for the ISHS office. Ben is looking forward to helping the next generation of Indigenous students achieve their goals and help their communities.

Sago! My name is Maggie, my pronouns are she/her, and I’m Mohawk Wolf Clan & Scottish from Six Nations. I’m currently in my 4th year of an Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree majoring in Biochemistry. I have been lucky to have been involved in the Indigenous community at McMaster since my 1st year here, and am so excited to continue my involvement this year as Co-Chair of the Indigenous Health Movement, and as an ISHS mentor! 

I went to high school in Brantford, ON, and have worked as a tour guide at the Mohawk Institute former residential school, as well as a music teacher, lab assistant with the Daniel Lab, and research assistant with the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research. I’m currently completing my thesis with Dr. Thomas Hawke looking at the role of myokines in regulating glucose & insulin homeostasis in those with type 2 diabetes.

I like to spend time playing music, going on hikes, beading, and watching SNL clips on repeat. I just finished applying to Med school for the upcoming year and am also considering doing a Kanien’kéha language program next fall. Hit me up if you ever want to talk preventative medicine, institutional racism, surviving a Western science program, land & community-based healing, or jazz!

Tanisih. I am going into my first year of Medical School at McMaster University. In April 2020, I completed an Honours Bachelors of Arts & Science degree, with a minor in Indigenous Studies. My home community is Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, but I was raised in Vancouver, BC. My passion lies in the area of Indigenous health, and specifically paediatric care. During the first two years of university, I was a mentor and tutor to at-risk youth at a local community center in Hamilton and learned about the social and economic disparities that affect local children – many of whom were Indigenous. Over the summer, I was the Cree Liaison for a project which assessed water quality in two Indigenous communities and the health of the people in the community. At the same time, I worked on a large systematic review of Indigenous pediatric health literature in Canada. This year, I am excited to be a mentor with ISHS! 

 Apart from school, I also enjoy kayaking, reading, and beading!

Jayden Rivers is Cree and a first-generation post-secondary student. She is a second-year Bachelor of Health Sciences (BScH) student in the Child Health Specialization. She was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario and her home community is Fort Albany First Nation. She is also the program support assistant for Indigenous Student Services and a member of the Indigenous Health Movement team. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends, going for long walks, and exploring new places with her little sister.  Her passions involve pursuing a career in the medical field, geared towards Indigenous youth residing in Northern Ontario communities. She looks forward to being an ISHS mentor this year to assist incoming students achieve their goals and enjoy their post-secondary experience!

Jillian Roberge is an Emergency Medicine Resident at McMaster.  Jillian is a Métis woman originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Manitoba. Prior to medical school, Jillian worked as a sexual/reproductive health educator at a community health agency in Winnipeg.

Throughout medical school, Jillian has been active in the ISHS mentorship program, providing information and support to Indigenous students pursuing careers in medicine. Jillian has also lent her time to support the annual Medical School Entrance Interview (MSEI) workshop. The MSEI prepares Indigenous students interviewing for medical school to give their best performance in the interview process. 

During medical school, Jillian has also pursued a research project aimed at investigating Indigenous Peoples’ experiences in emergency departments. Jillian is looking forward to continuing to incorporate an emphasis on Indigenous health in both her residency training and her career going forward.

2020/2021: On Mentor sabbatical 

Eric is from the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation where he lives with his wife and three daughters. He completed a combined BA in Health Aging and Society and Indigenous Studies at McMaster University. Eric is currently employed as a paramedic with Six Nations and is currently in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Class of 2020. After medical school, Eric hopes to work as an emergency physician as well as practice family medicine in his community.

Curtis Sobchak is an Internal Medicine Resident at McMaster University. Curtis is of Mohawk background and was born in St. Catharines, Ontario. He attended the University of Toronto, where he completed a double major in physiology and global health and a minor in classical civilization, before completing medical school also at the University of Toronto. During this time, Curtis also pursued research projects at the Hospital for Sick Children and Women’s College Hospital regarding lung and GI physiology and psoriatic arthritis.

Throughout medical school, Curtis has been a strong advocate for both Indigenous and marginalized communities. He was a member of the Indigenous Student Application Program (ISAP) of MD Admissions, created the Indigenous Student Handbook, coordinated the Varsity Docs afterschool program, and has volunteered within the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.

Now in residency, Curtis has set his sights upon subspecializing in rheumatology. He hopes to combine his interests in rheumatology and Indigenous health, addressing clinical issues such as the lack of specialists available to marginalized and Indigenous communities, while also investigating the relationship between these communities and higher disease burden. Curtis looks forward to incorporating Indigenous values and health into his training and hopes to continue to advocate for improving diversity in medical professions.

Tonya-Leah is Odawa from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve and is a proud Anishinaabe kwe. She is a graduate of Biomedical Science and Indigenous Studies at Trent University and is currently in her second year studying medicine at McMaster University. In her Summers she has gained meaningful research experiences at the SickKids Research Institute, McMaster Children's Hospital, and most recently at Trent University. As an advocate for Indigenous people’s health, Tonya-Leah has shared her messages through public speaking, writing, policy and performance. 

Tonya-Leah's passion for the arts and health science as well as the incredible support she has received from her family has inspired her to continue working with Indigenous communities to improve health outcomes, promote well-being, and empower fellow Indigenous youth to pursue their dreams.