b'NEW TRAILS A F I R S T I NFORENSIC PATHOLOGYDr. Kona Williams breaks new ground as Canadasfirst and only Indigenous forensic pathologistBy Matthew BradfordT he path to becoming Canadas first I was Indigenous forensic pathologist has been long and winding, but Dr. Kona Williams is just getting started. As lab director for Health Sciences North in Sudbury, Williams draws on years of medical study and experience to advance the field, mentor Indigenous students, and expand her career ambitions.always the geeky kid who loves science, says Williams. Williams Indigenous background has meant blazing a new trail. It also meant being exposed to more scrutiny among her peers and mentors. During her studies, she says, there were moments when people would imply that I was only there to fill a quota, and that I was taking the spot from someone who really deserved it. I even had an instructor say she wouldnt sign off on my evaluations until I admitted that the only reason I was in medical school was because I was First Nations.Those times were very deflating, adds Williams. And honestly, I felt like I had to work twice as hard sometimes just to show that I deserved to be there. The negative assump-tions and disparaging comments continued. They even came from patients who preferred not to be treated by an Indian. Regardless, Williams pushed on with a steely determina-tion to make an impact in the field. She found comfort and support from family and friends. I remember talking about these things with my dad (a senior manager with Indian Affairs), who faced the same racism in his career and schooling, as well as when he went through the residential school system, she says. At the end of the day, I had to tell myself that these things happen all the time. Patients get tired or sick, and my coworkers get stressed out, so I have to put it aside and focus on helping the people who are counting on me. 24Fall/Winter 2020'