Cancer centre appoints Aboriginal lead

The Northeast Cancer Centre has appointed Dr. Annelind Wakegijig as the new Cancer Care Ontario Aboriginal cancer lead for northeastern Ontario.

Originally from the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island, Wakegijig had been the lead physician for the Baawaating Family Health Team on the Batchewana First Nation, near Sault Ste. Marie.

"I am eager for the opportunity to give back to my community on a larger scale,” Wakegijig said. “I look forward to interaction and collaboration between my colleagues in primary care and the many great people on the First Nations and the Metis in our area.”

"I am delighted that Dr. Annelind Wakegijig is taking on this role,” said Patrick Madahbee, Grand Council Chief, Anishinabek Nation. “Her dedication, compassion and tremendous skills make her the perfect choice, especially as she is so well-known and trusted by our people."


Cancer Care Ontario has funded 10 Aboriginal cancer leads through cancer centres across the province. These lead positions will advise and assist with the implementation of the provincial Aboriginal Cancer Strategy II priorities of improving prevention, screening, education, research and supportive and palliative care.

“The health outcomes of Aboriginal people are disproportionately lower than those of non-Aboriginal Ontarians,” said Alethea Kewayosh, director, Aboriginal Cancer Control Unit, Cancer Care Ontario.

“The Aboriginal cancer leads will be important advocates within the Ontario cancer system to help inform and guide cancer care initiatives that will help improve health outcomes for FNIM peoples. CCO is very pleased with the appointment of Dr. Annelind Wakegijig as the Aboriginal cancer lead for Northeastern Ontario. ”

“We are very excited about the appointment of Dr. Wakegijig to this very important position,” said Mark Hartman, vice-president cancer services and medical imaging at Health Sciences North.

“Cancer patterns differ significantly between the Aboriginal population and the general Ontario population, with both higher rates of cancer and higher mortality. Dr. Wakegijig’s work will be instrumental in helping reverse this trend.”