Stanley Vollant facts for kids
Stanley Vollant is an amazing surgeon from the Innu people, born on April 2, 1965. He comes from Pessamit, a community located by the St-Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada. He is known for being the first Indigenous surgeon born in Quebec.
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Becoming a Surgeon
Stanley Vollant studied hard in Quebec to become a doctor. In 1989, he earned his medical degree from the Université de Montréal. He then continued his training, specializing in general surgery in 1994. This made him the first Indigenous surgeon born in Quebec! He is very skilled in a type of surgery called laparoscopy, which uses tiny cameras and instruments to operate with small cuts.
After his training, Dr. Vollant started working as a general surgeon. He worked in different hospitals, helping many people. He also became a professor, teaching new doctors at universities like the University of Ottawa and the University of Montreal. He even helped create programs for Indigenous students in medicine. Today, he continues to work as a general surgeon at the Dolbeau-Mistassini Hospital and also helps out at the Pessamit Medical Clinic in his home village.
Leading the Way
Dr. Vollant is not just a surgeon; he's also a leader. He has been the president of the Quebec Medical Association, representing many doctors. He also served on the board of the Canadian Medical Association, helping to make important decisions about health care in Canada.
He has been part of many groups that advise on health and science, making sure that everyone's health is taken care of. He believes in working together to make health better for all Canadians.
The Innu Meshkenu Walk
One of the most inspiring things Dr. Vollant does is walk on the ancient paths of his ancestors, the Innu Meshkenu. He started this long journey in 2010, planning to walk almost 6,000 kilometers!
His goal is to connect with First Nations communities and their neighbors. He wants to inspire young people to value education and live healthy lives. He also gathers important knowledge from elders and learns about traditional medicine. This helps to keep their rich heritage alive and pass it on to future generations.
Path of a Thousand Dreams
In 2016, Dr. Vollant started an organization called "Path of Thousand Dreams." The main goal of this foundation is to encourage and support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth. It helps them to follow their own dreams by developing their full potential in mind, spirit, body, and emotions. It's all about helping young people grow and achieve great things.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Vollant has received many awards for his amazing work and dedication:
- He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2022. This is one of the highest honors in Canada!
- He received a special medal from the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec in 2017.
- He was named one of the "Top 50 people promoting health in Quebec" in 2017.
- He was honored with the Hommage bénévolat-Québec Award for his volunteer work in 2016.
- He became a Knight of the National Order of Quebec in 2014.
- He received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
- He won the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 2004, which celebrates the achievements of Indigenous people.
