Dr. Grandmother Doreen became one of the first Indigenous licensed nurses in Canada in the 1950s. Here, she reflects on what she overcame on her educational journey.
Conversations with Indigenous health leaders
Dr. Grandmother Doreen Spence
In September 2023, we had the honour of sharing a message from Cree Elder Dr. Grandmother Doreen Spence. A leader, healer, and mentor to many across the world, Dr. Grandmother Doreen is also the heart of the Indigenous Advisory Circle that guides CPSA on fulfilling our mandate of protecting patients, which includes addressing the healthcare inequities Indigenous people continue to face.
Below, watch and listen as Dr. Grandmother Doreen shares stories of racism, reconciliation and resilience.
Dr. Grandmother Doreen’s reflections & messages for Alberta physicians
Dr. Grandmother Doreen witnessed the impacts of racism on Indigenous patients over her three decades as a nurse, and advocated for culturally safe and equitable care throughout her nursing career and beyond.
Mount Royal University calls Dr. Grandmother Doreen a model of reconciliation and resilience. Learn what reconciliation and resilience mean to her.
As a mentor to up-and-coming healthcare providers, Dr. Grandmother Doreen often provides guidance on listening with your whole heart. Here, she advises physicians on how to take this approach with their patients.
It is our collective responsibility to learn from the past so we can move towards a more equitable future. Doctor Grandmother Doreen calls on each of us to take action towards reconciliation.
About Dr. Grandmother Doreen Spence
Known as Doctor Grandmother to many, Doreen Spence is a Cree Elder who was born and raised on the Good Fish Lake Reservation. She is also a member of the Saddle Lake Nation as her father was from Saddle Lake.
Grandmother Doreen retired from nursing after having spent many years nursing in active treatment hospitals. Currently, she is an active Elder in Residence with the Cumming School of Medicine’s Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office, working to build reconciliatory education for nursing students, faculty and staff at the Faculty of Nursing in the University of Calgary. She also mentors students and staff in the Indigenous Primary Health Care and Policy Research Network and at Mount Royal University.
Healing and wellness are her life-long legacy, and she is honoured to have been recognized by so many for doing what she is so passionate about. Some of the ways that Grandmother has been recognized are:
- Order of Canada (2022)
- Honorary Doctor of Laws (2022)
- Honorary Bachelor of Nursing (2017)
- Indspire Culture and Spirituality Award (2017)
- Alberta Centennial Medal (2005)
- Nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize
- YWCA Woman of Distinction Award (1999)
- Council on Adoptable Children, New York (1997)
- Alberta Human Rights Award (1993)
- Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award (1992)
Dr. Tailfeathers and Dr. Cardinal
Family physicians Dr. Esther Tailfeathers and Dr. Nicole Cardinal discuss Indigenous health in Alberta.
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers and Dr. Nicole Cardinal reflect on the challenges and opportunities for Indigenous physicians working in their home communities. (2021)
Dr. Nicole Cardinal speaks about the importance of cultural humility in health care and the impact implicit bias has on Indigenous patients. (2021)
Featured News
All NewsMedical Matters: the Truth in Reconciliation
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers discusses the impacts of past and present colonialism on health outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.
June 19, 2025From Treaty obligations to medical curriculum: embedding Indigenous health in physician training
Dr. Wayne Inuglak Clark explains the importance of including Indigenous health education in medical curriculum and shares insights into the work of the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program at the University of Alberta.
June 19, 2025AI-enhanced relationship-building: creating culturally safe health care for Indigenous patients
Ross ‘Memphis’ Pambrun explains how AI solutions can enhance relationships between healthcare providers and Indigenous patients.
June 19, 2025Innovative collaboration to support Indigenous and rural health care
Learn how Montana First Nation established Akamihk Health Care Services, a community-centered clinic dedicated to delivering family healthcare services to both Montana First Nation and neighboring communities.
June 19, 2025Niso meskanawa epimoteyak (We are walking on two roads)
What made you choose a career pathway in health? Kihew Iskwew (Eagle Woman), Colleen McDonald, reflects on the humanity of health care.
June 19, 2025Honouring our commitment to First Nations children and youth: Jordan’s Principle
The First Nations Health Consortium outlines the fundamentals of Jordan's Principle and its impact on First Nations children.
June 19, 2025A call to action: Advancing Métis health and partnerships during Métis Week and beyond
In recognition of Métis Week, CPSA invited Reagan Bartel, Director of Health for the Otipemisiwak Metis Government of the Metis Nation within Alberta and CPSA Indigenous Advisory Circle member, to share her thoughts on advancing Métis health.
November 14, 2024Advancing truth and reconciliation in health care: A commitment to healing and empowerment
Siksika Health Services CEO Dr. Tyler White shares how healthcare providers can champion truth and reconciliation work.
September 5, 2024Understanding Sexuality and Gender from a Nehiyô maskihkiwiyiniw (Plains Cree Physician) Perspective within Treaty Number Six Territory
By Dr. James Makokis, MD, CCFP, MHSc Read time: 3 minutes Awasisak (awa – something living, sis – something small,…
August 31, 2021Reinventing the Status Quo for Health Care in Indigenous Communities
By Dr. Alika Lafontaine, BSc, MD, FRCPC Read time: 3 minutes Regulatory colleges across Canada are actively exploring the role…
August 31, 2021Have questions?
Phone: 780-423-4764
Toll-free: 1-800-561-3899 (in Canada)