‘I am because we are’

Many folks have expressed surprise that the first Black president of the Canadian Medical Association came from Newfoundland and Labrador.From my vantage point, it is the combination of the industriousness and sense of duty instilled by my Nigerian parents and the endless grit and generosity of spirit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that has brought me here. These influences have shaped my path to becoming the youngest doctor to lead the CMA since the 1800s, its first Black president and the first Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador graduate to serve as spokesperson for doctors and medical learners in the CMA’s 159-year history.The CMA was founded in 1867, the same year as Confederation, with Sir Charles Tupper elected as its first president. The chain of office has been worn by successive CMA presidents during their terms in office since 1931. This is the first time the official chain of office has been worn with Agbada, traditional attire of the Yoruba people in Nigeria.While I have been fortunate to receive the Bond Awards and the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists | CANPAD awards for pioneering leadership, this recognition truly belongs to my family, mentors and the communities that raised me. Like many others who are the “first,” I feel the weight of representation when I enter rooms that have historically been closed to people like me. However, I also carry the hope that our future leaders will more closely represent those we are called to serve.As an immigrant from Nigeria, I acknowledge that being able to live, work and raise my daughters on Turtle Island comes with a responsibility to understand the history of these lands. For me, being Canadian means accepting the whole of our history and making reconciliation real. The legacy of colonization and institutionalized anti-Indigenous racism persists in so many facets of our society. My story would not be possible without Indigenous Peoples’ stewardship of these lands, wildlife and waters. It is fitting that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation fell on Sept. 30 and Nigerian Independence Day the next day: Oct. 1.Having grown up in a province where water has been so essential, I often think of the saying “a rising tide lifts all boats.” Ubuntu is an African concept that speaks to the interconnectedness of humanity: “I am because we are.” Today and every day, both ideas ring true for me.Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi is president of the CMA. This item originally ran on LinkedIn on Oct. 1.

‘I am because we are’

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