Atlantic Veterinary College hosts second Indigenous Day in Veterinary Medicine
The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), hosted its second Indigenous Day in Veterinary Medicine on Saturday, November 18.
Indigenous Day in Veterinary Medicine was a free, day-long event that provided an opportunity for Indigenous youth in junior high and high schools in the Maritime provinces to learn what it is like to be a veterinarian. Modeled after AVC’s Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp (AVC Vet Camp), participants worked alongside faculty, staff, and veterinary students during many hands-on activities, labs, and discussions.
“We are thrilled to bring together the best of our AVC Vet Camp and make it a part of this exciting day full of learning, fun, and interaction,” said AVC’s Interim Dean John VanLeeuwen. “Our faculty and staff were eager to share their knowledge with the participants gratis, and hopefully to inspire them to consider a career in veterinary medicine.”
The Indigenous Day in Veterinary Medicine had over 50 registrants from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island (PEI). Participants began the day with a welcome from Dr. VanLeeuwen, followed by a welcome and blessing from Elder Dr. Judy Clark, Elder-in-Residence at UPEI. Sessions were presented by AVC faculty, staff, and veterinary students, and focused on Indigenous perspectives in veterinary medicine, large animal physical exams, anatomy, wildlife, and so much more.
In the afternoon, participants finished the day with an “ask the experts” panel featuring current AVC veterinary students from Indigenous communities, Indigenous faculty from UPEI, and leaders of the AVC Chinook Project that offers veterinary services to Indigenous communities in northern Canada.
“This day was made possible because of the support from our regional Indigenous communities and the enthusiasm of their people,” said Dr. VanLeeuwen. “We are buoyed by their excitement to partner with us, and we remain committed to creating more opportunities for Indigenous youth to experience and learn about veterinary medicine at the AVC.”
