Kristin Poole
Program: Honours Integrated Science Level III
Indigenous voices are often marginalized and underrepresented in healthcare. Identifying as Métis with a goal of joining the healthcare field, I was particularly interested in becoming involved with McMaster’s Indigenous Health Movement. I see IHM as a unique opportunity to learn more about my own heritage and strengthen my understanding of contemporary indigenous health issues and the importance of reconciliation. As someone who is hoping to enter into the healthcare field, I feel that it is my responsibility to become more culturally aware in order to advocate for more collaborative and comprehensive care. I believe that it is important to understand healing as a personal experience and strongly support the integration of Indigenous knowledge into hospitals. From this year’s conference, I hope that students gain a stronger understanding of health disparities affecting Indigenous people and the importance of cultural awareness in healthcare. Through joining the movement as Science Faculty Liaison, I hope to become an advocate and ally for Indigenous health issues and the integration of traditional healing into hospitals for a more holistic approach to health.