Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity and Accessibility

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Queen's Health Sciences

Queen's Health Sciences (QHS) is guided by a set of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity and Accessibility Statements that reflect our values

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STEM Indigenous Academics

STEM Indigenous Academics (STEMInA) is an academic support and community-building program for Indigenous students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) -based undergraduate degree programs. Students are from the Faculties of Arts and Science, Engineering and Applied Science, and Health Science

Queen's Health Sciences EDIIA Action Plan Learn more

Office of Indigenous Health

The Office of Indigenous Health has a mandate to develop and implement activities and initiatives that promote Indigenous Health and reconciliation in Queen’s Health Sciences. The office is a resource and advocate for Indigenous health education scholarship that is responsive to community priorities, promotes innovative care approaches, and incorporates and preserves Indigenous culture.

Office of Equity and Social Acccountability

The work of the Office of Equity and Social Accountability is guided by the QHS EDIIA Action Plan. It has a mandate to be accountable to its learners, faculty, staff, alumni, and broader community, taking action to respond to the education and health needs of our communities in an equitable and inclusive manner. The office has a responsibility to develop education, research, and clinical resources that prioritize “health for all.”

The Nest

The Nest is home to Queen’s Health Sciences, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity and Accessibility (EDIIA) Initiatives and is the name of the physical space in which we work. It is a space for learners, staff and faculty to use to advance initiatives within EDIIA and encourage interprofessional collaboration. Within the Nest there is a shared workstation, kitchenette, lounge, Indigenous space, boardroom and breast/chest feeding room with a change table. It houses the Offices of Equity and Social Accountability and Indigenous Health.

Colleen Davison, Associate Dean, Equity and Social Accountability

As Associate Dean, Equity and Social Accountability, Colleen Davison is responsible for the development and implementation of activities and initiatives to promote equity, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, social accountability, and cultural safety in Queen's Health Sciences. As the lead of the Office of Equity and Social Accountability Dr. Davison works alongside the Office of Indigenous Health. Dr. Davison is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health.

contact: asd_edi@queensu.ca

Sarah Funnell, Associate Dean and Chair, Indigenous Health

Dr. Funnell leads efforts to incorporate Indigenous health and cultural perspectives into health education, administration, research, and clinical practice. Dr. Funnell provides guidance and advice to QHS leaders strategically guiding QHS in its actions to achieve reconciliation. As Chair of Indigenous Health, she develops, conducts, and supports scholarship and ways of Indigenous knowing within QHS. Dr. Funnell also fosters and supports the education, supervision, and mentorship of learners and promotes continuing professional development for faculty.Dr. Funnell is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine.

Contact: asd_id@queensu.ca

Giselle Valarezo, Director, QHS EDIIA Initiatives

Giselle Valarezo is the QHS EDIIA Initiatives, Director manages and guides the initiatives implemented by the Office of Equity and Social Accountability and the Office of Indigenous Health. She is responsible for developing and implementing education, research, training, mentorship, outreach, and recruitment initiatives in dialogue with diverse communities, including learners, staff, faculty, and external community members. Giselle is also Adjunct Faculty in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program teaching a course on Racism and Health.

Contact: valarezo@queensu.ca or 75319

Connie Wighton, Administrative Assistant

Connie Wighton is the Administrative Assistant and has worked at Queen’s Health Sciences since 2010. She joined our team at The Nest in 2022. She provides administrative support for the Office of Equity and Social Accountability and the Office of Indigenous Health. In her role she administers the Champion Forum SharePoint and QHS EDIIA Initiatives website. Connie provides support to our space, The Nest, by welcoming visitors, overseeing room and event bookings and providing security access. Connie is a life longer learner.

Contact: wightonc@queensu.ca or 78659