Amanda Giancola
Program: Masters in Global Health
Global Health does not always have to mean health in international contexts. Global Health can be a mindset that you bring to local contexts. My hope is that my involvement with McMaster’s Indigenous Health Movement will help me to develop this mindset, and apply it to Indigenous Health issues at home. Unfortunately, while most of us recognize the disproportionate health burdens that Indigenous people suffer, not many recognize the history and social determinants that underlie these problems. I feel very passionately about learning as much as I can about Indigenous history as to truly grasp what drives these health inequities, and how to move forward with solutions together. I am so excited to learn from my fellow Mac IHC team members and really develop an understanding of what it means to be a good ally. I am also looking forward to learning more about traditional practices, diets and medicines at this year’s Conference!