Aboriginal health and wellness the focus of York University student conference

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TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2012 – The physical and mental health of Aboriginal people, as well as their emotional and spiritual well-being, will be discussed at a conference at York University on Wednesday.

The York University Conference on Aboriginal Affairs Now (YUCAAN) was organized by students to help educate others about Aboriginal issues, in particular students in the Faculty of Health who will lead healthcare in the future. Community and environmental issues will also be tackled during a day that features traditional dance, personal stories, and presentations by people working in or studying Aboriginal health care.

In addition to a sunrise ceremony, highlights include:

Lee Maracle, an instructor in the Aboriginal Studies Program at the University of Toronto, who teaches the Oral Tradition of Ojibway, Salish and Longhouse people, and is a traditional teacher for First Nation’s House. Her presentation will be the first talk in the Echo Chair in Women's Mental Health Research at York. (9-10am)

Dr. Chandrakant Shah of Anishnawbe Health Toronto, will discuss cultural sensitivity and bridging the gap of understanding. (11am-12pm)

York University professor David McNab (Department of Equity Studies), will discuss how mental health and wellness is a vital component of overall Aboriginal health. (12-1pm)

York alumnus Brittany Luby, will speak about environmental issues/racism, mercury poisoning and its effects on Aboriginal Health. (3-4pm)

Jessica Danforth, founder and executive director of the Native Youth Sexual Health Network, will address how today’s youth are reclaiming their right to display emotion through the network’s initiatives. (2-3pm)

Ginny Gonneau, a Métis Jigger who has learned from many talented Métis dancers, will discuss how she is sharing her knowledge to keep the urban Aboriginal community active. (10-11am)

The conference was organized by York University students Julia Salzmann, Amber Wynne, Jonathon LeRose and Jolene John. It is sponsored by the Centre for Aboriginal Students Services, the Aboriginal Students Association of York, the Student Association of Health Management, Policy & Informatics, the Faculty of Health, Calumet College and the Office of the Echo Chair in women’s Mental Health Research.

WHAT:              York University Conference on Aboriginal Affairs Now (YUCAAN)           
WHEN:            
Wednesday, September 26, 2012, presentations from 8:30am to 4:30pm
WHERE:          
Calumet College, Room 214, Keele campus. Number 10 on MAP.

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 250,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 Faculties and 28 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

Media Contact:
Janice Walls, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 x22101, wallsj@yorku.ca