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NAMP News
Updates from the Northern Alberta Medical Program
Honoring Truth and Reconciliation
Presenters from the University of Alberta: Dr. Josie C. Auger, Strategic Program Lead from WIHP/NAMP, Kohkomak Hazel McKennitt and Alvina Lake, Mosom Rick Lightning and Dr. Florence Glanfield, Vice-Provost and Professor at the University of Alberta.
On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we represented the University of Alberta at the National Elders Gathering, and powerfully honored our lived experiences while presenting “A Good Way: Promoting and Sustaining Cultural Safety for Students and Teachers” emphasized as happening through ceremony and not performative rituals. We identified that the mosom and kohkom roles at the University of Alberta support warm conversations and hugs with faculty and students. Rather than having others speak on our behalf we centered our own stories — as survivors and those impacted intergenerationally — modeling authenticity and leadership. People were surprised to learn about the existence of the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program that supports the Northern Alberta Medical Program and appreciated that we were the ones presenting, bringing truth and healing directly to the forefront.
Since 2017 the National Elders Gathering is recognized as a time for ceremony, learning and connecting. This year, Dr. Wayne Clark, Executive Director for Wâpanachakos submitted an abstract on behalf of WIHP - which supports the Northern Alberta Medical Program. This special presentation was delivered on two occasions, specifically on September 30 and October 1, 2025.
Careful preparation helped set the stage for a meaningful experience. At the Edmonton Expo Centre, we transformed the small stage into a welcoming and sacred space. As participants arrived they sat down and listened to music that resonated deeply with the audience.
Together, these elements - spiritual, logistical and musical - created a space of reflection, connection and
shared purpose. While the candle was lit and the smell of sage filled the room a discussion after the presentation was held. We heard from a diverse group of people, creating a rich and respectful space where every person’s experience and voice mattered. Here is what we learned from the attendees who participated in discussions following the presentations after the two sessions that were considered beautiful, organic, honest, emotional, real and sometimes funny. Despite a bit of a nervous start we all heard positive comments even stating that the presentation was the best at the gathering and they expressed wishing to have more time with the elders for heart-to-heart talks; some even came back for the second day. There were some concerns expressed whereby the theme of Indigenous governance in health at university levels emerged. Given
that land-based healing and culture is real there were concerns about disclosing traditional medicine as this has always been a concern. The goal of the presentation was to explain that cultural safety is a good way, but not always the easy way and it requires actively addressing power imbalances, systemic racism, and colonial legacies in healthcare and education, not only in medicine but in other healthcare fields.
We highlighted the importance of Indigenous community relationships and the significance of Memorandums of Relational Understanding with the First Nations and Metis, along with the learning environment, admissions, curriculum and post-graduate medical education. We heard their surprise and delight that Indigenized medical curriculum and elder’s teachings are for all medical students and not exclusively to Indigenous students.
People learned that there is no longer a cap of five Indigenous students admitted into Medicine at the University of Alberta but that the GPA remains the same as any applicant. This is in stark contrast to the enfranchisement policy whereby if a First Nations attended any university they would involuntary lose their Indian status for earning a university degree.
University of Alberta Open House 2025
The University of Alberta hosted its annual Open House on October 18, welcoming thousands of prospective students and families to campus. The MD Program was proudly represented with two booths and two presentations highlighting both the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program and the Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP).
Dr. Laura Stovel, Assistant Dean, Admissions, and Dr. Richard Martin, Assistant Dean, Northern Alberta Medical Program, each delivered engaging presentations that provided valuable insight into medical education, admissions, and the unique training opportunities available through NAMP.
With attendance numbers again exceeding 10,000 visitors, the event offered a fantastic opportunity to connect with future learners and showcase the strength and reach of the University of Alberta’s education programs.
Northwestern Polytechnic President's Ball 2025
The stage was set for the 38th annual Northwestern Polytechnic President's Ball on October 18. It was an event to remember.
Northern Alberta Medical Program staff and students were there to celebrate post-secondary education in the northwest and share our support by coming together to accelerate life-changing experiences, opportunities and solutions for students across the region and beyond.
Meet the Team
I joined the Northern Alberta Medical Program in June 2025 as the Assessment Administrator, supporting assessments, learner accommodations and coordinating the Standardized Patient Program. My background is in administration and scheduling within healthcare, and I’ve always enjoyed working in roles that connect people and keep things running smoothly.
Being part of NAMP means contributing to something meaningful. It allows me to help shape the learning experience for future physicians right here in northern Alberta. It’s inspiring to see how much collaboration and care goes into supporting our students’ success and I’m proud to play a small part in that.
Angie MacLeod, Assessment Administrator
I was born and raised in the Peace Country. After completing the University of Alberta Family Medicine Residency Program at the Grande Prairie Site, I am proud to serve the area as a practicing Family Physician.
The Launch of the Northern Alberta Medical Program is a very exciting time for our community. It is breaking down barriers for our students to access medical training. I personally understand these barriers very well, and I know the Northern Alberta Medical Program will be life-changing for local students, because it would have been life-changing for me. In order for me to pursue this education, I had to leave my job as a registered nurse, uproot from Grande Prairie, and move my small children across the province.
I am very excited to work with each of the students, and welcome them to Grande Prairie for their education and beyond.
Rebecca Sherk, Small Group Learning Lead
I am a rural family physician based in Grande Prairie, Alberta, where my husband and I are raising our three children. My passion for teaching was inspired by the remarkable educators who guided me through my medical training and instilled in me a deep commitment to mentorship.
I began my teaching career as a clinical trainer in London, England, supporting medical students in developing their clinical skills and professional identity. After moving to Grande Prairie, I found limited opportunities for medical education to teach medical students at the time and had to set aside this goal.
More than a decade later, the establishment of a medical school in our community has brought that aspiration full circle. I am honoured to serve on the Faculty of Medicine, contributing to the education of future physicians. This opportunity to teach, mentor, and inspire is both a privilege and a responsibility I embrace as we continue to strengthen medical education and healthcare in rural Alberta.
Olubukola Maxwell, Assessment Lead
RhPAP 'Let's Go Rural' Post Secondary Experience
Medical and healthcare students from the Northern Alberta Medical Program and Northwestern Polytechnic took in the sites and sounds of Fairview in late September!
Make an impact, teach for NAMP
Inspire the next generation of physicians by teaching in the University of Alberta’s MD Program, an innovative medical school dedicated to training diverse, competent and compassionate physician leaders to serve the health needs of all Albertans. Share your expertise, shape future healthcare leaders, and make a lasting impact where it’s needed most!
NAMP Opportunities
The Northern Alberta Medical Program has a number of exciting opportunities for faculty, administrative support staff and preceptors!
Questions?
We would love to hear from you!
Contact the NAMP team at NAMPInformation@ualberta.ca
