NEWS RELEASE
LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY
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THUNDER BAY -- A Lakehead University professor is receiving $10,000 from Associated Medical Services Healthcare to explore the work of the Hamilton YWCA in Indigenous hospitals, sanatoria, and residential schools in Canada during the 20th century.
Dr. Kristin Burnett, Professor in Indigenous Learning, said records from the Department of Indian Affairs and churches described donations of clothing, bedding, medicine, and toys from women’s organizations.
For larger organizations like the YWCA, these contributions went further to include running educational programming, camps, and voluntary labour, Dr. Burnett said.
“I will use the AMS project grant to focus on the role played by the Hamilton YWCA in these institutions and in support of the settler colonial project during the 20th century,” she said.
Dr. Burnett will perform this research project, titled “The Hamilton Young Women’s Christian Association’s (YWCA) Work with Indian Hospitals, Sanatoria, and Residential Schools” – over one year.
The AMS History of Medicine and Healthcare Awards Program promotes scholarship, teaching, and public interest in the history of health care, disease, and medicine.
“Congratulations to Dr. Burnett on receiving this grant and thank you to AMS for the funding. Understanding the role and activities that different agencies played in the past with regards to Indigenous people will help shape our future.”
