Jump-start your mind and heart
Join your peers at UBC Connects for Students, for a unique opportunity to connect with some of the world’s most esteemed thought leaders in an intimate and interactive setting. UBC connects the dots — and people — to shed light on the world’s most pressing issues.
Featured Speakers
James Makokis and Anthony Johnson
“Our Existences Are Political”: Identity and History as Pathways for Transformation
This special event for UBC students will provide an opportunity to connect with James Makokis and Anthony Johnson during an interactive question and answer session.
Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PDT
Online via Zoom
Presented in partnership with the Indigenous Research Support Initiative and alumni UBC
Tickets: Free
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Please be sure to register in advance as there are limited spaces available for this special event.
About the Speakers:
James Makokis
A proud Cree from the Saddle Lake First Nation in northern Alberta, Dr. James Makokis runs a transgender-focused medical practice and is a leader in Indigenous, LGBTQ2 and medical communities. He has a two-spirit perspective and strong connections to preventative health and spirituality.
Dr. Makokis holds a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and food sciences, a Master of Health Science in community nutrition and a doctorate in medicine. He also received certification from the Aboriginal Family Medicine Training Program.
In addition to The Amazing Race Canada, Dr. Makokis has travelled alongside former governor general Michaëlle Jean on a diplomatic mission to Brazil and worked with Dr. Patch Adams in the Amazon jungle.
Anthony Johnson
Born and raised on the Navajo nation, Johnson is a self-proclaimed spiritual nomad, artist, poet, photographer and cultural documentarian. After graduating from Harvard University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in economics and social anthropology of East Asia, he worked in the tech industry and fashion world. In 2019, he won The Amazing Race Canada with partner James Makokis. Johnson has a strong will to help others through human connection. He is passionate about enabling others to change systems and social structures that promote inequality.
About the Moderator:
Avery Newman-Simmons
Avery Newman-Simmons is a current Master of Science candidate in Medical Genetics at UBC, passionate about enhancing ethical research, building capacity in community, and ensuring reciprocity in research with Indigenous communities. Avery is Anishnaabe, and his family is from the Antoine First Nation (Algonquin Territory). Avery has a wealth of experience working in Indigenous genomics, contributing to closing the genomic information gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. He also has years of experience in student-led organizing, advising, and advocacy.
