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Thanks to a total of $2 million in donation funds, the University of British Columbia will have the opportunity to help grow the number of aboriginal doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other health professionals.
Two $1 million donations were given to the university: one from Chancellor Lindsay Gordon and wife Elizabeth Gordon, and the other from Rudy, Patricia, Caroline, and Rory North.
The funding will support the University’s Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health, which was created as a means of training more aboriginal health providers, optimizing indigenous curriculum in health sciences, and fostering research in aboriginal health issues.
“In order to extend aboriginal life expectancy or lower aboriginal infant mortality, UBC must work as an equal partner with those communities,” said Arvind Gupta, UBC’s president and vice chancellor. “The generous contributions of the Gordons and the Norths will support this vital work.”
The generous donation will also provide financial aid for aboriginal students, as well as a variety of mentoring programs.
Funding will significantly assist the development of aboriginal health initiatives. As it stands right now, the health of B.C.’s Aboriginal Peoples lags behind the rest of the population on several measures, including life expectancy, youth suicide, infant mortality, and diabetes.
UBC Professor Nadine Caron with Chancellor Lindsay Gordon. (Photo Credit: UBC.)
For both donor parties, addressing aboriginal issues, specifically in the realm of health-related issues, is a crucial step in moving Canada forward.
“For too long, Canada’s indigenous peoples have been dependent on outsiders for their health care,” said Patricia North. “We hope our gift will enable aboriginal patients to receive care from those who best understand their needs – aboriginal health professionals.”
“I have worked there for several years and witnessed the homelessness, mental health and addiction issues that affect many of its residents, a disproportionate number being aboriginal,” said Elizabeth Gordon. “This experience led us to search for ways to improve their health and well-being. We believe UBC and its partners in the aboriginal community can bring change where it is so badly needed.”
Nadine Caron, co-director of the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health and an assistant professor in UBC’s Northern Medical Program, said these donations will help to support aboriginal people in the health care field.
“I see a future where aboriginal people are leaders in health care. To get there we need to ensure that they are encouraged to pursue the health sciences from an early age and are supported throughout their careers.”
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