Resolution: CFMS representation of local medical student Aboriginal health organizations
WHEREAS First Nations, Métis, and Inuit health is an important issue for all Canadians;
WHEREAS the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) is the representative voice of
Canadian medical students the federal government, the public, and national medical
organizations;
WHEREAS histories of colonialism and the right to self-determination inspire a special
responsibility to good process when making decisions pertaining to First Nations, Métis, and
Inuit health;
WHEREAS many Canadian medical schools have local medical student organizations focused
on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit health, but there is an organizational gap in the representation
of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit health at CFMS;
WHEREAS the creation of the Aboriginal Health Liaison (AHL) will continue to improve
national conversations surrounding First Nations, Métis, and Inuit health;
WHEREAS no formal connection exists between local medical student Aboriginal health
organizations and CFMS, and there are no “Local Officers” for Aboriginal Health as there are for
other national roles;
WHEREAS no formal strategy exists to develop better understanding of First Nations, Métis,
and Inuit health matters;
WHEREAS there is a need to negotiate and affirm a relationship between the CFMS and local
medical student Aboriginal health organizations;
WHEREAS CFMS general meetings provide a unique forum for dialogue and decision-making;
BIRT CFMS establish a formal relationship with local medical student Aboriginal health
organizations.
BIFRT CFMS invite representation from Aboriginal health student organizations from each
CFMS member school at the 2014 SGM.
BIFRT we provide funding to support the attendance of one Aboriginal health representative
from each CFMS member school at the 2014 SGM.
BIFRT the application process to access these funds be managed by the AHL.
Level of Effort/Time: N/A
Cost: $10,000
Moved by: Stephanie Brown, University of Calgary
Seconded by: Andrew Bresnahan, McMaster University