The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada issued several calls to action to help recognize and rectify some of the wrongs committed to the Canadian Indigenous population in the past and which continue to affect Indigenous peoples today. The AMA developed the AMA Policy Statement on Indigenous Health to support the calls to action on health from the TRC’s final report. The policy aligns well with the AMA’s mandate of being leaders in the health care system. The policy was approved by the AMA Board of Directors in July 2017 as a means to support the TRC calls to action on health, and for the AMA as an organization to support improvements in accessing quality care for Indigenous populations. Download the AMA Policy Statement on Indigenous Health.
The AMA formed the Indigenous Health working group to determine how to best address the TRC calls to action. This working group included Indigenous physicians, Indigenous members of the public and physicians with experience working with Indigenous populations. The Indigenous Health Committee has since been established to promote and operationalize the recommendations in the AMA Policy Statement on Indigenous Health. Learn more about the Indigenous Health Committee.
Indigenous Health and Cultural Resources
Indigenous Health and Cultural ResourcesInformative and educational resources on Indigenous health and culture, sourced from First Nations and Indigenous organizations, government/government agencies and academia.
Indigenous Health Committee
Indigenous Health CommitteeThe Indigenous Health Committee has been established to promote and operationalize the recommendations in the AMA Indigenous Health Policy Statement. It is an ongoing ad hoc committee of the AMA that reports to the AMA Board of Directors indirectly through the committee’s Senior Management member, Gayle Burnett, Chief Strategy Officer/AED Professional Affairs
News and Events
June 20, 2024
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an annual event that celebrates the rich history and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Earlier this month, the AMA unveiled a new land acknowledgement statement, which demonstrates our deep respect for the Indigenous Peoples who have come before us and the land that hosts us. The new land acknowledgement statement represents an important element of the AMA’s ongoing commitment to meaningful reconciliation.
September 13, 2023
As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Indigenous Health Committee of the AMA invites community physicians to find ways to recognize the importance of this event and to commit to building a future where health equity exists for all.
Purpose
This document provides a list of resources available to community physicians to support them in finding ways to recognize the 2023 National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in their practice.
June 20, 2023
The AMA Indigenous Health Committee (IHC) has learned of the resignation of Dr. Esther Tailfeathers from her role as Senior Medical Director, Provincial Indigenous Wellness Core, AHS.
Dr. Tailfeathers is a member of the IHC, a highly respected member of our community and a prominent advocate for Indigenous health. The circumstances that led to her resignation have raised questions from the IHC including Indigenous physicians and community members.
The impact her resignation will have on Indigenous health in Alberta moving forward is unknown but there is confusion and concern among many.