Congratulations to the winner of the Best Poster Award at the I-CYS Symposium - At the Intersections of Childhood 2018: Youth and Civic Engagement.
Out of three undergraduate posters presented at the symposium, Melissa Shouting, student in Health Science (Public Health), won this year's poster award, which was determined by a jury of six academics. Congratulations, Melissa!
Below is the write-up of her poster as well as her experience at the symposium.
Poster Title: "Taking Action on the Truth & Reconciliation Commission: The Strengthening Families Program"
"It is important for students and professionals within my field or disciplinary to gain an understanding of how Residential Schools had a detrimental effect on the over-all health of Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States. These schools not only influenced the health outcomes of generations that attended the schools, but also the children and grandchildren of the attendee's. Due to the apprehension of a large number of Indigenous children in Canada many were denied the right to grow within a positive nurturing environment among family members and community members. This had a negative effect on their physical and mental health, and was very influential on their social determinants of health outcomes as well.
Undergrad presentation opportunities like the I-CYS symposium allows undergraduate students, like myself, to establish and develop independent critical thinking skills, as well as oral and written communication skills. Working alongside experienced academic researchers has empowered me with the ability to understand the research process within academia and communities. Working as a research assistant for various professors has also equipped me with the tools to develop leadership and teamwork skills, and effectively communicate ideas among my peers and fellow coworkers. These opportunities have also harnessed my ability to analyze and critique the work of others in a safe and respectable manner."