The Indigenous Health Committee (IHC) was established in early 2018 to promote and operationalize the recommendations contained in the AMA Policy Statement on Indigenous Health. The IHC reports to the AMA Board of Directors and draws on medical and non-medical community expertise to prioritize work that will help the AMA and its members move toward meaningful reconciliation.
- Four AMA physician members
- Minimum of two must be Indigenous physicians (one designated as committee Chair) and the remaining physician(s) should have experience working with Indigenous communities.
- Three non-physician Indigenous public members from each Treaty area in Alberta to provide community, non-medical input.
- Representatives from Alberta Health/Alberta Health Services First Nations and Inuit Health Branch; Health Canada; Medical Students Association; Professional Association of Resident Physicians of Alberta.
- Other resource members as determined necessary.
- AMA staff.
Current Indigenous Health Committee members:
| Dale Steinhauer | Treaty 6 Confederacy |
| Jeannette MacInnis | ANFCA |
| Margo Dodginghorse | G4 |
| Reagan Bartel | The Otipemisiwak Metis Government of the Metis Nation within Alberta |
| Shelly Gladue | Treaty 8 |
| Nadine McRee | Indigenous Wellness Care |
| Ashley Turner | MSI, University of Alberta |
| Kayla Fitzpatrick | MSI, University of Calgary |
| Nicholas Brisebois | MSI, University of Alberta |
| Dr. Cayla Gilbert | Indigenous physician |
| Dr. Cassandra Felske-Durksen | Chair |
| Dr. Christopher Sarin | First Nations Inuit Health Branch |
| Nichole Laforce | Indigenous Health Policy, Alberta Health |
| Vacant | Blackfoot Confederacy |
| Vacant | Indigenous Wellness Care, AHS |
| Vacant | Resident |
- To bring together medical and non-medical expertise focused on health status and delivery of health services to Alberta’s Indigenous population and on AMA actions/strategies in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
- Within the framework of the AMA Policy Statement on Indigenous Health, to prioritize strategies and areas for action.
- To support liaison with external groups and communities on issues pertinent to Indigenous health (e.g., Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, Health Canada, Alberta Health Co-Management Committee, etc.).
- To provide AMA members with access to an Indigenous Health Committee-curated bank of informative and educational resources on Indigenous health, sourced from First Nations and Indigenous organizations, government/government agencies and academia. See Indigenous health and cultural resources.
New resource guide now available
In response to requests from AMA members, the IHC has created a resource guide that supports health care providers in delivering culturally competent and respectful care to Indigenous patients.
Indigenous Health Committee Actions Timeline
Over the past year the Indigenous Health Committee has successfully implemented many actions.
Indigenous Health in the News
Indigenous Health in the NewsArticles on Indigenous health that may be of interest to physicians and their patients.
Questions and comments
- Please contact Melissa Pennell, Vice President, Advocacy & Engagement, AMA, if you have questions or comments regarding the advocacy component of the AMA Policy Statement on Indigenous Health or require information regarding the Indigenous Health Committee function and/or membership.
