Building the Fire, Walking with Medicine Program

ZKA’AN NI-BMIWDOOWIN GCHI-KINOOMAADWINAN, Building the Fire, Walking with Medicine is a one-week program for Indigenous students in grades 9 and 10 with an interest in exploring healthcare opportunities. This program is run collaboratively with the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Access and Outreach (OAO) and the Office of Indigenous Health, ZKA’AN NI-BMIWDOOWIN GCHI-KINOOMAADWINAN, and will provide 10 youth with culturally safe and trauma-informed programming with opportunities to build long-lasting relationships from within the program. With greater exposure to Indigenous leadership, knowledges, governance systems and healing practices, participants were encouraged to reflect on the environment around them and were empowered to carve their own meaningful paths forward, walking with confidence, a greater sense of connection, purpose, and community.

This summer, ZNGBK programming will be held August 12 to 16, 2024, in person at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Guided by Elder in Residence, Kawennanoron Cindy White, the program aims to nurture each student’s understanding of Health and Wellness including what it means with regards to self, family, community, and nationhood.

10 participants interested in exploring or pursuing a career in health, research and sciences and identify as First Nations, Inuit, Metis, as well as being currently in grades 9 and 10, will be chosen through an application process.

Testimonials

"My Name is Austin M. Chrisjohn, I am 14 years of age. I didn’t really have a favorite part of the ZNBGK program, I liked every thing about it, it was informative, fun and a crazy adventure. I don’t have an educational goal at this point in time, I am still trying to figure out my future but I know it will be in the Healthcare industry. The ZNBGK program has given me insight on the healthcare position, and has opened many doors for me and I can definitely see a healthcare position in my future."
-Austin M. Chrisjohn, 14

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for allowing me and the other youth the opportunity to participate in this program. I enjoyed learning from you and the speakers in the program. I really appreciate all you have done for us and all the hard work you put in. This has meant so much to me! I really appreciate the opportunity to learn about health with an Indigenous correlation. I learned so much from this program not only about health, but about my culture too. I haven’t heard too many teachings prior to this program, so I really appreciate the ones we were given. You are a very inspiring person, being able to balance this along with work along with the culture. I really admire. Thank you for showing me that this is possible."
-Anonymous

"My name is Saige Pitawanakwat. I am fourteen years old. I am from Wikwemikong, but I am living in Toronto. I am a part of the turtle clan. This year, I took part in the ZNBGK program. My favourite part of this program was listening to the many speakers. I enjoyed the many stories they shared and really appreciated the teachings and knowledge they passed onto me. They all inspired me. My educational goals for the future are; completing high school, university, and medical school. I also want to strive for good marks. The ZNBGK program helped me affirm that healthcare is the field I would like to pursue. The program also helped me to learn about various professions I can pursue within the healthcare field. It showed me how traditional Indigenous teachings and practices are also significant to one’s health. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the program."
-Saige Pitawanakwat, 14

How to Apply

The online application requests the following information to be filled out:

General information

• Your name
• Your date of birth
• Your gender
• Your contact information
• The contact information of your guidance counsellor/teacher
• The contact information of your parent/guardian
• Emergency contact information

Written response

• You will also be asked to provide a statement of interest that explains “What makes you a good candidate for the ZNGBK Program”.
• Please ensure to write and save your responses on a separate word-based application before copy-pasting your response in the ZNGBK application form, as to prevent disruptions to the application process.

Application deadline EXTENDED: July 5, 2024
Admission offers emailed out: July 12, 2024
ZNGBK program runs: August 12-16, 2024

Online Application

Summer Mentorship Program Application
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