CPSA establishes Indigenous Health Advisory Circle

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At its December 2021 meeting, CPSA Council formally established CPSA’s Indigenous Health Advisory Circle. We were honoured to reaffirm our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through a ceremony led by an Indigenous Elder, who blessed Circle members and their important work, incorporating the traditional elements of smudging and prayer.

With the Circle established, CPSA’s work now begins in earnest. As Alberta’s medical regulator, we play an important role in reconciliation, which includes responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, particularly action 22:

“We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.”

The Indigenous Health Advisory Circle will focus on listening to and learning from those with lived Indigenous experiences across Alberta. Through collaboration and creating a safe space to share these experiences and ideas, the Circle will help CPSA reflect on our own processes and identify how we can better understand and support Indigenous patients and better guide the physicians who care for them.