Mutual respect: CPSA and Siksika Nation sign 'historic' agreement

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta has forged what it calls a historic agreement with an Indigenous community in southern Alberta. On September 20, the college announced on its website that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the health services agency of the Siksika Nation, a community of about 7,800 residents located about an hour’s drive east of Calgary. “CPSA recognizes that we’ve played a role in past harms and trauma to Indigenous peoples and communities in Alberta,” said CPSA council chair Stacey Strilchuk. “This MOU is more than a partnership and shared objectives. It’s an expression of mutual respect, a recognition of the autonomy of Indigenous peoples and a willingness to work together to ensure Indigenous peoples receive safe, equitable health care. The memorandum, which was signed at the Siksika Health and Wellness Centre, certifies that the college recognizes “the autonomy and sovereignty of Siksika, and that Siksika recognizes and endorses CPSA’s regulatory authority over physicians and physician assistants practicing in their community and CPSA’s authority in accreditation of medical facilities. These medical facilities and professionals are subject to the regulatory practices of CPSA.” Read: Real ideas for addressing healthcare needs of disadvantaged populations The agreement also underlined the importance of recognizing that the First Nation view of health and wellness is based on a “holistic and interconnected approach to life” and that the strengths of this approach should be honoured and not seen as an obstacle to providing care to the people of Siksika. “Indigenous peoples have the right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions,histories and aspirations,” the agreement states. “Through this MOU, the parties will strive to support the reconciliation of the legacy of colonization, and address the imbalance as it relates to the First Nations health narrative in Canada. The wellbeing of First Nations people will be achieved through mutual respect and equal standing in a partnership.” “This MOU is a testament to our dedication to working together towards addressing racism and discrimination that Indigenous people face when accessing healthcare,” said Ike Solway, board chair of Siksika Health Services. “We believe that by combining our efforts, we can achieve greater impact and make a positive difference in all Albertans’ care.” Read: Bill prompts call for Quebec to recognize systemic racism in health system

Mutual respect: CPSA and Siksika Nation sign 'historic' agreement

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics