COMMUNIQUé - College of Medicine - University of Saskatchewan

Aboriginal Coordinator
joins the College of Medicine
AbORIGINAl PROGRAMMING
It is critically
important for
Saskatchewan’s
rapidly increasing
Aboriginal
population to be
able to access
educational
opportunities.
The College
of Medicine’s
latest strategic
plan recognizes
the necessity
Valerie Arnault-Pelletier
for inclusion of
Aboriginal students
and programming in planning and executing initiatives
that will foster opportunities and access. In this regard,
a number of strategic initiatives have been developed
to assist the College to accomplish what was set out in
the strategic plan 2008-2012. One of these initiatives is
the hiring of an Aboriginal Coordinator. In July 2010, Val
Arnault-Pelletier joined the College of Medicine and the
School of Physical Therapy as an Aboriginal Coordinator.
In this role Val works closely with the First Nations and
Métis Medical and Physical Therapy students, Elders,
and communities in relation to recruitment. She plays a
vibrant role in advocacy for those requesting support.
She supports and includes summer employment
opportunities, personal and academic advisement, and
is available as a resource to staff, faculty and students.
Val Arnault-Pelletier is a Cree woman who situates
herself from her Kokum’s (grandmother’s) community
of Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation, and she
acknowledges her Mother’s community of Waterhen
Lake First Nation. Val believes in lifelong learning in all
aspects of education. She believes formal education and
traditional Aboriginal teachings can be blended to form
a strong foundation for herself
and her family.
She worked with the College
of Nursing’s Native Access
Program to Nursing at the
U of S for the past 16 years in
an administrative capacity and
as student advisor.
Val is a member
of the Admissions
Committee of
the College of
Medicine, the
U of S Senate Committee on
Outreach and Engagement,
as well as a number of
other U of S committees.
She is a longtime Board
Member and Chairperson
of E-Tahkanawasot Oskayak
High School Daycare. She is
also a committee member
of Sasipenita, a non-profit
organization, developing
a travelling exhibit that
will engage, motivate, and
educate people about the
contributions of First Nations
and Métis peoples
in Saskatchewan.
She keeps a photo of her
Kokum in her office to remind
her to stay on the healing
road and keep herself healthy
and balanced in all areas of
her life. n
University of Saskatchewan • College of Medicine C O M M U N I Q U É 21