NCTCA2018

In this session, Dr. Makokis will draw on his own experiences of becoming a Family Physician. Interwoven with stories of growing up as a young two-spirit boy on a northeastern reserve, to practicing medicine and servicing a large transgender population including youth, he will share nehiyaw ("Plains Cree") teachings related to gender and sexual diversity. Nehiyawak have always had a strong kiskinohamâkewin ("Education" or "Teaching") grounded in culture, songs, spirituality (including ceremonies) and teachings related to the Land, Water, Sky that informed healthy child development. When given the opportunity to learn about such teachings, youth develop the strength and resilience to persevere and thrive in their educational studies. An overview of the nehiyaw 7 Stages of Life Teachings will be reviewed where much of this knowledge is embedded.