Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and Northern Ontario School of Medicine Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine recently signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration in health related post-secondary education and training.

“For the people in the 49 communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, located over 300,000 square kilometres of traditional territory across northern Ontario, this Memorandum of Understanding has increased our access to health related post-secondary education and training,” says Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Executive Director Rosie Mosquito. “We look forward to working with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine on various initiatives, starting with the Basic Radiological Technician Program.”

The Basic Radiological Technician Program is the beginning phase of the collaboration. The goal of the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win - Northern Ontario School of Medicine partnership is to enable collaboration in programs, projects and courses designed and delivered for First Nations people that will increase participation and qualifications in the many health care and medical professions. The partnership through the MOU will help improve access to and retention in health related post-secondary education and training in health related programs for members of Nishnawbe Aski Nation and other learners, to improve the provision of educational and training programming that is culturally and linguistically appropriate in curriculum and delivery, and to support health related issues in Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities.

“At the earliest stages of development, the School engaged Aboriginal communities of Northern Ontario as part of its mandate to be socially accountable to the cultural diversity of Northern Ontario,” says Dr. Roger Strasser, NOSM Founding Dean. “This partnership between Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine is another step toward fulfilling the School’s commitment.”

The 2007 agreement reflects the commitment of both Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and Northern Ontario School of Medicine to the underlying goal of providing capacity building opportunities for First Nations people to become healthcare and medical professionals. In doing so, the crisis in lack of health care and medical professionals will be ameliorated and First Nations will be in a position to become employed in the healthcare systems that provide services to their people and in doing so will provide culturally competent services.