“This is the path of reconciliation in action”: G4 Health and CPSA collaborate toward equitable, culturally safe care

Treaty 7 Territory (Mînî Thnî, AB) – G4 Health, a department within the Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council (SNTTC), and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) are proud to announce a partnership dedicated to advancing safe, equitable and culturally competent health care for the Îyethka  (Bearspaw, Chiniki, Goodstoney) and Tsuut’ina Peoples served by G4 Health.

Leaders from both organizations gathered on Monday, Oct. 27 in Mînî Thnî to formally sign the partnership agreement, witnessed by Îyethka and Tsuut’ina Elders. The event marks the official beginning of a meaningful collaboration rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to patient safety and reconciliation.

“This is the path of reconciliation in action—one built on mutual respect, learning, and genuine partnership,” said Chief Darcy Dixon, Bearspaw First Nation, who holds the Health Portfolio as part of his role with the SNTTC.

“We were honoured to be welcomed in Mînî Thnî for this historic occasion,” said Dr. Nicole Cardinal, CPSA Council Chair. “Our partnership with G4 Health is an important step forward in ensuring all Albertans—including the Îyethka and Tsuut’ina Peoples—have access to safe, high-quality and culturally safe care. Together, we are committing to long-term work that honours the Treaty Right to Health and supports self-determination for First Nations Peoples.”

G4 Health, governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the Chiefs of the Sovereign Nations—Bearspaw, Chiniki, Goodstoney and Tsuut’ina—acts as an advocate, advisor, collaborator and capacity builder to improve health outcomes for approximately 8,400 Îyethka and Tsuut’ina Peoples. Through this partnership, G4 Health and CPSA will co-develop reconciliation initiatives based on our shared values and grounded in Îyethka and Tsuut’ina ways of knowing.

CPSA regulates over 16,000 physicians, physician assistants and medical learners in Alberta, with a mandate to protect patients by ensuring regulated members provide safe, competent and ethical care. Recognizing its responsibility to help address health inequities, CPSA continues to build relationships with Indigenous partners to strengthen cultural safety in medical regulation and practice.

The agreement between G4 Health and CPSA is guided by the principles of mutual respect, authenticity and relationships over outcomes. Together, both organizations commit to applying a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that honours both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, embedding anti-oppressive and anti-racist practices in our collaborative work, and promoting patient-centred, culturally competent care. The partnership also includes commitments to collaborate on health resources in the Îyethka and Tsuut’ina languages and evaluate joint initiatives to ensure accountability and measurable progress.

The signing of this partnership follows more than two years of dialogue and collaboration between G4 Health and CPSA. The event celebrates the beginning of a long-term relationship built on trust, respect and shared responsibility for improving health care for the Îyethka and Tsuut’ina Peoples.

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G4 Health represents Îyethka (Bearspaw, Chiniki, Goodstoney) and Tsuut’ina First Nations as an Advocate, Advisor, Collaborator and Capacity Builder. G4 Health is a department within the Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council Ltd. (SNTTC/G4) and is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the Chiefs of the Sovereign Nations.

The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta is the regulator for all physicians, physician assistants and surgeons in the province and is governed by the Health Professions Act. Our role is to protect the public by issuing practice permits to those who meet educational and training criteria, hold Alberta physicians to ethical and medical practice standards, and investigate and resolve physician-related complaints. CPSA also ensures the safety and quality of medical and diagnostic testing services in Alberta through an independent accreditation program.

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