c a r i b o u h... t h e Aboriginal Health Collection Renovation at NJM Library

the
caribou heard
2012, JULY
In this Issue
Library, con'td ...................2
Announcements .................3
Dr. Postl Flys No More .....3
Your link to and from the North
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
Aboriginal Health Collection
Renovation at NJM Library
Impresses
ILRR H News.................... 4
Evacuation from Island
Lake ...................................4
National Aboriginal Day,
21 June 2012 .....................5
Rural Week ........................6
Photo Ops......................... 7
People in the Community . 9
Manitoba Marathon ........10
Hodgson & Beren's River10
E-Mails to the Editor ......12
A copy of this and
past Newsletters
are on our website
at the following
URL:
http://tiny.cc/nmu_
news/
Google: facebook nmu_careers
B
right, airy, and surrounded
by aboriginal art, the newly
renovated space that houses the
Aboriginal Health Collection at the Neil
John Maclean Health Sciences Library
(NJM) is inviting and comfortable.
More traditional First Nations Art,
computers, and study space for all to
enjoy was added to the area.
The Collection was honoured by
Roger Armitte, Elder of the WRHA
who carried out a traditional Ojibway
Naming Ceremony resulting in the
name: Kanee Ga Ni-What KeeKandamowin Anishinabeck: First
Peoples Places of Learning. A
dedication ceremony took place on 20
June 2012.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
Ada Ducas, Head University of
Manitoba Health Sciences Libraries
established the Collection in 1997.
Under the supervision of Janice
Linton, Aboriginal Health Librarian the
Collection has grown substantially and
has earned an international reputation
for its comprehensiveness and scope.
It is unique in that it is the only special
collection devoted solely to Indigenous
health found in an academic medical
library in Canada.
It has been developed to reflect a
holistic approach to health and wellbeing for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit
people. It contains many community
based and government documents
along with published books and
...continued next page
the caribou heard
Library
continued from page 1
audiovisual resources.
Over the past
several years many
international resources
documenting common
themes arising
from the history of
colonisation, from
Australia, New
Zealand, and the
United States have
been added to the
Collection.
The Collection is
Ada Ducas, Head, U of M,
interdisciplinary and
NJM Library
is used by students,
faculty, and health
care providers from the NMU and throughout the
University. The library has also carried out a number
of capacity building and supportive initiatives to
assist individuals and organisations. Some of these
initiatives include:
Aboriginal Health Section of Resources on the
NJM Website (http:// libguides.lib.umanitoba.ca/
aboriginalhealth)
• includes
bilingual patient
education
resources
in Inuktitut
and Engllish,
access to the
national and
provincial
regional health
surveys,
online videos
Roger Armitte, Elder Spiritual Care HSC
for health
promotion and
to enhance cultural compentency, plus many hardto-find resources for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit
Health.
Information to Assist Community Based
Researchers and Students
• to identify accessible journals, databases, and
websites and tips on searching databases
Page 2
2012, JULY
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
effectively to retrieve relevant research.
A Comprehensive Bibliogrpahy on Traditional
Healing
• was developed for health care providers
throughout Manitoba and is available on the
Manitoba Health Information Knowledge Network
(MHIKNET) section of the library's website (http://
mhiknet.lib.umanitoba.ca/). The MHIKNET
program provides library services to health care
providers working for regional health authorities
in urban and rural communities across Manitoba.
This bibliography helps us to get more resources
to enhance cultural competency into the hands of
health care providers throughout Manitoba.
Contributed to the Development of a Unique
Website to Support Dental and Oral Health for
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Families (http://
oralhealth.circumpolarhealth.org/)
• The collaboration included working with the Faculty
of Dentistry and the Manitoba Institute of Child
Health (MICH) to assist with the development
of a community partnership with the Institute
for Circumpolar Health Research in Yellowknife
to create a unique web site, Oral Health and
the Aboriginal Child. The web site has been
favourably received and is used by people around
the world.
Library Expertise and Consultation
• The Aboriginal Health Librarian makes herself
available for consultation to assist many
individuals,
communities,
and
organisations
to develop their
own programs
and collections
of resources.
The NMU"s
health care
Janice Linton, Aboriginal Health
providers &
Librarian, U of M, NJM Library
communities are
fortunate to have
access to a library that is a recognised leader in
Aboriginal and Northern Health.
For more information or assistance please contact
Janice Linton, Aboriginal Health Librarian, 204-7893878 
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
2012, JULY
Announcements
D
r. Brian Postl is the 2nd long-term NMU
paediatrician and the 2nd Dean of Medicine
inducted into the Order of Manitoba joining
inductees Dr. David Grewar (NMU) and Dean
Emeritius, Dr. Arnold Naimark. Congratulations Dr.
Postl.
Twenty-One Nunavummiuts
were presented with the
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond
Jubilee Medal including Dr.
Sandy Macdonald, Director
of Medical Affairs, Nunavut.
Congratulations Sandy.
Leaving us is Zach Harris
Dr. Sandy Macdonald
who has been an OT in
Rankin Inlet for the last
2 years. We wish Zach all the best. Alysha
Friedman will be the new OT starting September
4th. Welcome Alysha.
Sadly, we wish Lorna Doubt all the best who will
also be leaving Rankin on October 4th.
We welcome the following new physicians:
To Percy E. Moore Hospital in Hodgson:
•
•
•
•
the caribou heard
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
Dr. Colin McFee
Dr. Camisha Mayes
Dr. Navneet Rehsia
Dr. Muhammad Saleem Paracha
To the Consultant Program:
• Dr. Abdalla Ali, paediatrician (Red Sucker Lake &
Hodgson)
• Dr. Devon Ambrose, obs/gyn
• Dr. Jeff Burzynski, paediatrician (Poplar River)
• Dr. Jocelyn Silvester, paediatrician (Rankin,
Grand Rapids, Chemawawin)
To the Fly-In Program:
• Dr. Bushra Ashfaq
We regretfully say good-bye to Dr. Carrie
LaFournaise. Carrie 1st came to us as a Resident
in March 2010 when she accompanied Dr. Karen
Appel to St. Theresa Point. The following June
she began as a family practitioner and it has been
wonderful having her on our team.
The babies didn't quite stop with the last Newsletter,
Since last April Kirsten Bourque (former Foot
Nurse) and her partner Ross MacDonald welcomed
their 1st child, Matthew Peter MacDonald. We are
all so happy for the 3 of you.
Also arrived was Lori Thiessen's (consultant travel)
1st granddaughter, Kira. Finally after grandson after
grandson Lori can't wait to do the girly/girl thing with
her new granddaughter.
Dr. Kurt Jansen and wife, Jessika Huard
welcome baby girl #2 into their family, Zara Kate.
Congratulations.
Dr. Postl Flys No More
"I
mmediately I was hooked",
wrote Dr. Postl in his blog in
November 2010. He was writing
about when he was a medical
student and first encountered
Canada's North. It was June
1974 and he was young and
adventurous. And that sense of
adventure was so strong that 35
Dr. Brian Postl, circa years later, he was still caring
for patients at medical clinics in
1980
Rankin Inlet, Grand Rapids, and
Chemawawin.
Dr. Postl's committment to doing his "small part"
in providing health care to remote communites in
Manitoba and Nunavut was ever present throughout
his career from the time he was a medical student,
through his tenure as the second Director of the
NMU, the first President of the Canadian Society
for Circumpolar Health, the
Head of Paediatrics & Child
Health, Head of Community
Health Sciences, the founding
President and CEO of the
WRHA, and currently as the
Dean of Medicine.
Due to the demands of his
position as Dean of Medicine
he recently had to make the
difficult decision to discontinue
his clinical visits.
Dr. Brian Postl, 2012
We at the NMU and the generations of children of
Manitoba and Nunavut whom Dr. Postl has treated,
greatly value his decades of care and compassion
...continued next page
Send us your announcements: [email protected]
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
Page 3
the caribou heard
Postl
continued from page 3
and as a pioneer of the Unit.
2012, JULY
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
We thank him for his contribution to the growth of the
NMU and our international reputation as a leader in
Aboriginal and Circumpolar Health..
He will keep his ties to the NMU and will continue
to see children at his ambulatory clinic at Children's
Hospital.
If you would like to share a story/memory/accolade/photo
of Dr. Postl please send to Julie Creasey: julie.creasey/
med.umanitoba.ca
Island Lake Regional
Renal Health Unit News
Evacuation from Island
Lake
e said goodbye to Mary Moss at the beginning
of July. Mary started with the NMU and the
Unit in late 2009. We wish her good luck in her new
adventure in a new city.
orest fires forced the evacuation of the dialysis
clients from Garden Hill, Wassagamack, and St.
Theresa Point on 24 July 2012.
W
Stepping into Mary's fomer role is Gail Yacucha.
Gail comes to us from the University's Centre for
Earth Observation. Welcome Gail.
The Unit also welcomes extra sets of hands in
Geraldine Heinrichs, LPN and Melanie Mason,
LPN from St. Theresa Point. Melanie is presently in
Winnipeg taking the Manitoba Nephrology Nursing
Course and will soon be back in Garden Hill qualified
to administer dialysis. Congratulations to you both.
And, not new, but new to her role, Deanna Miller was
the successful candidate for the position of Clinical
Nurse Supervisor and transitioned from Nurse to
Nurse Supervisor on July 16th.
Daniel Aranha will also be leaving the Unit on August
24th as he seeks to advance his career in Emergency
Care. We wish Daniel good fortune.
CANCELLED
Embrace Life
Survivor of Suicide Family Conference
25-29 July 2012
St. Theresa Point
The popular conference attended by people from all
four Island Lake Communities, Cross Lake, Norway
House, and some Northern Ontario communities was
cancelled because of the forest fires.
F
Three Metro's were used to evacuate approximately
30 people including dialysis clients, their escorts,
family, and dialysis medical staff.
The three planes arrived at the Morden, Manitoba
Airport around 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 8:30 pm.
A bus then took each of the groups to their hotel in
Morris, Manitoba; the closest hotel big enough to take
all the clients, escorts, and family.
Morris is about 50 kms from the Boundry Trails
Hospital (located between Morden and Winkler)
where our dialysis clients received their treatments.
Four additional hotel rooms were booked in
Morden, Manitoba where the dialysis staff stayed.
Arrangements were made with a local transportation
company to provide transport of clients to and from
their hotel to the dialysis unit.
On the 26th of July staff were relocated from Mordon
to Winkler due to the Motor Inn in Morden having
been previously booked for the weekend.
On July 30th all patients and escorts were also
relocated to Winkler. This move produced a lot of
positive benefits . Everyone enjoyed the new location
and the children spent many hours swimming in the
hotel pool. The location also allowed everyone to be
more selective with healthy food choices.
Return to the community is to occur the week of the
6th of August.
We were told the conference will be rescheduled but at
the time of distribution of this newsletter we do not have
a date.
Page 4
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
2012, JULY
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
the caribou heard
National Aboriginal Day, 21 June 2012
T
he Section of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Health in collaboration with Aboriginal Services at HSC,
did a fantasitc job of putting on the day's festivities. Congratulations to the Committee Members for
providing a wonderful day for all who attended.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
Page 5
the caribou heard
2012, JULY
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
Another Successful Rural Week
R
ural Week is a one week learning
experience for all first year medical
students. It provides an opportunity for
the students to get first-hand experience
and exposure to not just rural and
northern medicine but rural and
northern life. It is also an opportunity
for participating communities to
showcase themselves and promote the
opportunities and benefits of rural and
northern medicine.
It takes the efforts of numerous
preceptors, health care professionals,
and countless community volunteers
to provide students with rural medicine
and community experiences. Dr.
Anne Durcan (NMU, Director Inuit
Heath) in her other role as Education
Co-ordinator, Undergraduate Rural
Medical Education successfully coordinates the week in conjuction with the (l to r) Med Students Jeffrey Wheeler, Stepheson Strobel, & Casey
Office of Rural and Northern Health. And Wong in Garden Hill, Manitoba
helping to contribute to that success is the
NMU's Kathy Risk and Kathy Harlos who co-ordinate the student's travel to some of the northern and Inuit
communities participating in the Week.
Comprehensive
Advanced Life Support/
Rural Critical Care
Combined Course
Plan to be in Northern Ontario, Canada in
October 2012, when the Northern Ontario
School of Medicine will host a major joint world
conference in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Saturday, October 13 and Sunday,
October 14, 2012 in Thunder Bay,
Ontario
This conference will bring together the Wonca
World Rural Health Conference and The
Network: Towards Unity for Health annual
conference, as well as the next NOSM/Flinders
Conference on Community Engaged Medical
Education, the Consortium for Longitudinal
Curricula, and the Training for Health Equity
Network.
The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada
(SRPC) is pleased to offer Rendez-Vous 2012
Conference participants their own rural education
workshop on “Comprehensive Advanced Life
Support / Rural Critical Care Combined Course”
as a Parallel Conference Education Session
on Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14,
2012
Please visit www.rendez-vous2012.ca for
conference details, registration information, and
more.
More details on the registration and cost of the
workshop: www.srpc.ca/ and at: www.rendezvous2012.ca
Page 6
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
2012, JULY
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
the caribou heard
Photo Ops
Bonnie Tinker (Med Rehab) with her new son, Graham
Brian McKinley. Seems like Brian has eyes for Molly :-)
Monica Achtemichuk (Med Rehab) with her 2nd daughter
Molly.
Nurse In Charge at Norway House Hospital, Carlyn
Halcrow using old water distilller.
Cynthia Colomb, CHR in Pukatawagan. Cynthia is
learning the monofiliment test from our Diabetic Foot
Nurse.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
Page 7
the caribou heard
2012, JULY
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
1987, International Congress on Circumpolar Health held in Umea, Sweden. Dr. Lorna Medd, 1974 - 198? Co-Director of
the NMU; Dr. Mike Moffatt, 1987- 1991 Director of the NMU; Dr. Donald D. Rodgers, 1969 - ? Psychiatrist with the NMU,
and Dr. Brian Postl, 1984 - 1987 Director of the NMU
Nancy Mentuck and Gladys Wood of the Island Lake
Regional Renal Health Unit.
Page 8
Dr. John Warnica sent us this photo he took of a Common
Yellowthroat Warbler. The photo was taken north of
Barrie, Ontario. Although it is not the north - it is such a
cool photo we thought we would share.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
2012, JULY
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
the caribou heard
People Making a Difference in their Communities
G
ladys Crow has been the Aboriginal Diabetes
Initiative staff member (ADI) in Pauingassi for
the last two years. Prior to her position as ADI Gladys
worked in Home and Community Care. When Robyn
Gordon-Brown, Diabetic Foot Nurse Clinician (DFNC)
makes her community visits to Pauingassi Gladys
assists her.
Gladys has learned from the DFNC program the
importance of teaching preventative health related to the
insensate foot. She says that even though most people
are taking care of their own feet; she reminds them it
is important to be assessed by the DFNC and Retinal
screening staff from the NMU.
She teaches diabetic clients (who have lost protective
sensation to their feet) that if they get a cut on their
foot they will not feel or notice the injury. She also
reminds them that a minor injury can lead to a serious
complication such as a lower limb amputation. She tells
Robyn she is going to begin performing monofilament
tests (a screening tool to detect loss of protective
sensation to the feet) a skill she learned from Robyn.
In her role in assisting Robyn, Gladys prioritises the
clients according to the Carville Foot Risk Score and
also asks clients who have not been screened to come
in for an appointment.
Gladys enjoys one on one teaching with community
members and she refers to the Canada Food Guide.
She enjoys organising community events (volleyball
Gladys Crow, Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Staff
Member of Pauingassi
and badminton) for all ages. Another activity
she organises are the telehealth sessions with
a Grand Medicine Pharmacist . Clients come to
the clinic each Thursday from 1:30 pm to 4:30
pm. For this weekly event she prepares healthy
snacks for everyone.
During June through August Gladys will work with
Nancy Keeper, Community Health Representative
and they will organise a display at the Northern
Store. The next 2 displays will focus on diabetes
and suicide prevention. 
If you would like to profile someone in your nursing station or community who is making a difference to improve the health of the
community please send information and photo to Julie Creasey: julie.creasey/med.umanitoba.ca
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
Page 9
the caribou heard
2012, JULY
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
Northern Manitobans go the Distance in Manitoba
Marathon
R
acers from the communities of Churchill,
Cranberry Portage, Cross Lake, Garden Hill,
Gillam, Norway House, Pukatawagan, St. Theresa
Point, and Snow Lake competed in this year's events
at the Mantioba Marathon.
The runners from Garden Hill made up the largest
group with 18 high school students.
Congratulations to all the racers and all their
supporters.
Photo: some of the racers from Garden Hill visit the
University of Manitoba
Reasons to Celebrate for Renal Health Clients in
Hodgson & Beren's River
T
hose on dialysis in Pequis and Beren's River
now have less stress in their lives with the
grand openings of Renal Health Centres in both
communities.
On the 5th of April and the 17th of April the Centres'
officially opened. The six-bed dialysis unit located
on the west side of Percy E. Moore Hospital will
serve Peguis, Fisher River, and
Kinonjeoshtegon (Jackhead) First
Nations, and the RM of Fisher.
Both units will also be focusing on prevention of
kidney disease, health education, and promotion of
healthy living.
Also in Pequis there was a recent groundbreaking
for a new Arena, a facility which will be focusing on
disease prevention and the promotion of healthy
lifestyles. 
In Beren's River there is a four-bed
unit attached to the Chief Jacob
Berens Mino-Ayaawin Health
Centre.
Previous to the Centres' openings,
those on dialysis in the Pequis area
would have to travel to Ashern or
Winnipeg while those in Beren's
were relocated to Winnipeg.
As with the Renal Health Unit in
Garden Hill, the opening of these
new units allows people on dialysis
to stay in their own communities
near family and friends reducing
stress and increasing quality of life.
Page 10
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
2012, JULY
the caribou heard
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
Manitoba Continuing Professional
Development
Advanced Trauma
Life Support®
Course for Doctors
Information on ATLS, ACLS, PALS,
Registration,
Forms, and more.
This Course fills up
Fast - Register Early
Check out the MCPD
website for Events,
Programs, and Courses.
http://manitobacpd.com
5th International Meeting
on Indigenous Child Health
Strong Communities,
Healthy Children
SAVE THE DATE!
April 19-21, 2013
Portland, Oregon, USA
Join the Canadian Paediatric Society and the American
Academy of Pediatrics in cooperation with the Indian
Health Service and the First Nations Inuit Health
Branch, Health Canada for the 5th International
Meeting on Indigenous Child Health. Child health
providers and researchers dedicated to working with
American Indian, Alaska Native, First Nations, Inuit,
and Métis children and families are encouraged to
attend. Participants will have the opportunity to share
model programs and research and develop practical
skills that can be utilised in community settings.
For updated conference information, visit www.cps.ca
or www.aap.org/nach.
To submit abstracts visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/
DBR9VP8
Deadline for workshop proposal submission:
August 24, 2012
Deadline for abstract submission:
September 21, 2012
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
The Advanced Trauma Life
Support® Course is publshed
by the American College of
Surgeons and provides a
framework for the management of the injured patient. It
is intended to allow the single doctor in a rural hospital
to effectively assess and manage multiple trauma.
The Course teaches a systematic approach for the
effective assessment and resuscitation of the severely
traumatised patient. The 2 day course consists of:
• pre-course test
• didactic and interactive core content
lectures
• practical skill stations
• surgical skill station
• triage scenarios
• initial assessment and management skill
station
• post-course test
Upon completion of the course physicians should feel
confident in the concepts and principles of primary
and secondary assessment, establishing management
priorities, initiating resuscitative measures and
demonstrating the practical skills used in the initial
assessment and management of patients with multiple
injuries.
A verification card is provided upon successful
completion of the course and is valid for 4 years from
the date of issue. a student refresher course must then
be taken to maintain ATLS® provider status.
The next advanced Trauma Life Support® Provider/
Refresher Courses will be held:
2012
- June 1-2
- August 24-25
- October 12-13
- November 16-17
2013
- January 25-26
- March 15-16
- May 24-25
- August 23-24
- October 18-19
- November 22-23
Please contact ATLS Department of Surgery:
AE402 - 840 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg MB R3A 1S1
Phone: 787-2394
Fax: 787-4618
Email: [email protected]
Page 11
the caribou heard
E-Mails to the Editor
Dr. Colin Bradshaw
NMU Alumni: June - September 1989, Hodgson
Dr. Bradshaw (who lives in the UK) wrote that
his wife, Celia heard Joe (Dr. Joe Dooley who
was at Hodgson for a number of years) on the
BBC Radio talking about Oxycodone abuse in
Sioux Lookout!
He also writes that while Celia and he were
here in Manitoba Celia wrote quite a bit and
continued to do so when they returned to
England. She has written some award winning
short stories and radio plays, one partially based
on her experiences in Canada. Her first novel is
coming out in January 2013.
Dr. Alan Davis
NMU Alumni: 2002, Norway House
Dr. Davis (who also lives in the UK) writes he still
has fond memories of his time here, particularly
Norway House. Dr. Davis wrote a book a
few years back called "Cornwall Cree Nation"
which was inspired by his experience with the
NMU. Most of the staff here have read it and
we think it is a must read for those physicians/
health care providers who work in the north. It is
witty, darkly comical, and populated with quirky
characters - very entertaining. You can order
the book from Amazon.com
Dr. Davis also shared his "Worst Referral Letter":
Dear Colleague,
Please see and advise.
2012, JULY
VOLUME 10, NO. 2
Send us Your
Announcements, Photos,
and Stories
Please send us your announcements:
accomplishments, births, marriages,
engagements, and community events
Photos of staff (administrative and health
care providers) for the newsletter would be
greatly appreciated as well as photos of the
communities you work.
Also, if you have a story you would like to
share in the Newsletter please send it in.
When you submit a photo it is with the
understanding it might be put in the
newsletter and we do not require written
permission to use it. If we would like
to use it for promotional materials (eg:
brochures) a photo release form must be
signed. Photos of patients in a medical
context and children are not used without
the subject/guardian(s) written permission.
Julie Creasey:
[email protected].
ca
the
caribou heard
To which came the reply:
The Caribou Heard is published by the J. A. Hildes
Northern Medical Unit, Section of First Nations, Métis,
and Inuit Health of the Department of Community
Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba.
Dear Doctor,
Have seen. Have advised,
Submissions can be made to Julie Creasey at T162770 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3E 0W3,
[email protected]
We love to hear from you. If you would like to share your
thoughts or stories please send to Julie Creasey: julie.creasey/
med.umanitoba.ca
Page 12
Phone: 204-789-3510
Fax: 204-774-8919
Opinions expressed on these pages may or may not
be the opinions of the Editors.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication