69˵Ӱ welcomes Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson as part of President’s Speakers Series, March 1
SACKVILLE, NB — 69˵Ӱ will welcome Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson to speak as part of the 2022-23 President’s Speakers Series (PSS) in March. Their presentation, Day in the Life of a Modern Day Warrior, will take place both in person and online Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. in Crabtree Auditorium, 49A York Street on campus. All welcome, masks are required to attend in-person.
Dr. Makokis is a proud Cree, two-spirit physician from Saddle Lake First Nation in Northern, AB and known as one of Canada’s most progressive doctors and experts in numerous topics. Recently named to The Medical Post’s 2021 Power List, Dr. Makokis believes that power should be shared, especially with those who have been disempowered. His philosophy of leadership is based on Nehiyô iyintiw wiyasiwewina, which is the Cree Natural Laws. Through his work, he is on a mission to serve marginalized populations and to change the outcomes for Indigenous and LGBTQ2S+ peoples.
Anthony Johnson is a two-spirit, LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous advocate originally from the Navajo Nation located in North Phoenix, AZ. Currently he is a project consultant and project coordinator at Kehewin Health Services, northeast of Edmonton, where his partner Dr. James Makokis currently operates his medical practice. Johnson is a self-proclaimed spiritual nomad, artist, poet, photographer, cultural documentarian, public speaker, and strategic analyst whose mission is to explore the beauty of the earth and its inhabitants.
In 2019, the pair completed Season 7 of the Amazing Race Canada, becoming the first two-spirit Indigenous, married couple in the world to be crowned winners. Their team was known as The Amazing Couple - Team Ahkameyimok (pronounced Ah-ka-may- mook), which means never give up in the Cree language. While on the show, the Amazing Couple used the media coverage and platform to confront stereotypes and raise awareness of issues faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the United States, and around the world. Their team motto was “Ahkameyimok!,” which is a phrase used by their elders to encourage others to do their best and keep going no matter what challenge one is faced with or how difficult of a situation.
“69˵Ӱ is committed to providing valuable learning opportunities for our students and the wider community that spark important discussions like this one around equity and diversity,” says Dr. Jennifer Tomes, chair of the PSS and Dean of Science. “We are excited to learn from Dr. Makokis and Anthony Johnson as they share their stories through a Day in the Life of a Modern Day Warrior.”
This talk is co-sponsored by the Marjorie Young Bell Distinguished Visitors and Josiah Wood Lecture Fund. The annual President’s Speakers Series at 69˵Ӱ University brings noted speakers from across Canada and around the globe to campus to address issues of current interest or importance.
This is a hybrid event with in-person and online access through Microsoft Teams. See mta.ca/pss for more information. All welcome, masks are required to attend in-person.
