Reflections on Truth & Reconciliation

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Health leader Margo Dodginghorse’s perspectives on Indigenous inclusion and cultural safety

In 2020, several Indigenous physicians reached out to CPSA to act within our capacity as Alberta’s medical regulator to address healthcare inequities—specifically when it comes to racism and discrimination endured by Indigenous Peoples within the healthcare system. While this was not the first time CPSA was approached in our long history, this was when we fully heard the voices, experiences and lived realities of Indigenous Peoples who have been calling on us to act within our role as a regulatory body to effect much-needed change.

In the years since 2020, we have been guided by an Indigenous Advisory Circle to help us identify better ways to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit patients and guide the doctors—our regulated members—who provide their health care. This guidance has resulted in CPSA’s Path to Truth and Reconciliation, our action plan the Indigenous Advisory Circle co-created with us.

As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, we are honoured to share a message from Margo Dodginghorse, Health Director for Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council/G4 Health and a founding member of the Indigenous Advisory Circle. Hear why Margo joined the Indigenous Advisory Circle, the importance of cultural safety in health care, and how welcoming Indigenous voices can help shape a health system that serves everyone.

Hear Margo Dodginghorse introduce herself and share what motivated her to join the Indigenous Advisory Circle.

“At the end of the day, the goal really is to help people.”

As a First Nations healthcare advocate, Margo speaks to how cultural safety and seeing a patient as a whole person makes a difference.

“It means I, as an Indigenous person, can walk into a space and feel recognized for my wholistic needs.”

Margo reflects on the importance of Indigenous Peoples having a voice in how their health care is delivered.

“The answers for health system change are within our Elders, within our Knowledge Holders, within our children.”

CPSA is deeply grateful to Margo Dodginghorse for sharing her experiences and guidance.