James Makokis facts for kids

James Makokis, born in 1981 or 1982, is a doctor from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. He is also a two-spirited person, which is a special cultural identity in some Indigenous communities. In 2019, he and his husband, Anthony Johnson, won The Amazing Race Canada 7.

Dr. James Makokis: A Healing Journey

Dr. James Makokis is a dedicated family doctor. He runs a health clinic in the Enoch Cree Nation 135. This clinic helps people from the Kehewin and Enoch Cree Nations. He also has another clinic in Edmonton, Alberta.

Combining Traditional and Modern Medicine

Dr. Makokis uses both traditional Cree healing methods and modern Western medicine. This unique approach helps his patients in many ways. He is known for helping people from Indigenous communities. Many patients travel long distances to see him.

Becoming a Doctor

James Makokis knew he wanted to be a doctor from a very young age. He was only four years old when he decided this. Later, a colleague suggested he focus on a special area of healthcare. This was because not many doctors were helping patients with certain health needs.

He studied hard to become a doctor. He earned a Master's degree in health science from the University of Toronto in 2006. Then, he graduated from the University of Ottawa's medical school in 2010. He finished his medical training at the University of British Columbia in 2012.

Teaching and Sharing Knowledge

Besides his work as a doctor, Dr. Makokis also teaches. He has taught at Yellowhead Tribal College. There, he taught courses about Indigenous health and traditional medicine. He has also been an instructor at the University of Alberta and the University of Toronto.

Personal Life and Community Work

James Makokis grew up in the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. His mother, Patricia Makokis, was once the president of Blue Quills University.

Winning The Amazing Race Canada

In 2019, Dr. Makokis and his husband, Anthony Johnson, competed on The Amazing Race Canada 7. They worked together as a team and won the competition. They used their time on the show to share important messages.

They hoped that by being themselves on TV, they could help young people feel safe. They wanted to show that it's okay to be who you are. Their visibility also helped start more conversations. These talks were about issues facing Two-Spirit and Indigenous communities.

Awards and Recognition

In 2007, James Makokis received the Indspire Award. This award celebrates and encourages excellence. It honors achievements in the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.