Tansi! Nicole Cardinal, nitisiyihkâson niya. Onihcikiskwapiwinihk ohci niya. Nicole is a proud First Nations woman from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, with deep roots in both Saddle Lake and connections to Frog Lake through her parents.
Dr. Nicole Cardinal is a family physician who practises comprehensive rural medicine in her home community of Saddle Lake Cree Nation and the Town of St. Paul. Nicole holds a western education, her medical degree from the University of Alberta and completed her Rural Family Medicine residency in Prince Albert, SK. As part of her practice, she provides compassionate, culturally safe care in a family medicine clinic, as well as emergency room and continuing care settings. Dr. Cardinal is a clinical assistant professor in the University of Alberta’s Department of Family Medicine, where she also works as a preceptor to students and is the clinical lead of the Wapanachakos (morning star) Program.
Dr. Cardinal is a dedicated advocate for Indigenous health and is deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. Her work focuses on addressing health inequities and advancing culturally safe care within healthcare systems and medical education.
She recently completed her term as Council Chair with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and continues to serve as a board member. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Cardinal is on a personal journey of reclaiming her identity as a First Nations woman through ceremony, teachings, and traditional knowledge. In all that she does, she strives to honour herself and her family, by ensuring that her actions and words reflect the strength and wisdom of her ancestors.
Hiy Hiy, nanaskomon,