Siksika Health Hosts College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta Council

Siksika Health Services was honoured to host the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) Councillors at the Piiksapi Memorial Arbour on Dec. 8, 2021. This was the first time that the Council had visited a First Nation together; Siksika was pleased to provide an inviting space and warm welcome, in a way that allowed for COVID health and safety measures to be upheld in a good way.

Siksika Health CEO, Dr. Tyler White was appointed to the CPSA Council in early 2021, with the intent to expand services, create partnerships, and improve healthcare.

The gathering consisted of an opening prayer, a Council meeting at which CPSA had the opportunity to learn about programs and services offered by Siksika Health Services, a presentation of traditional Siksika drumming, dancing, and foods, and exchange of gifts. Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti, President of the CPSA Council, was honoured with a Blackfoot name by Elder Clement Leather: Sii-pyaa-po, meaning “Travelling at night”.

Our guests shared words of gratitude and intention for action:

You certainly have a friend in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. We came to Siksika Nation today at Dr. Tyler White’s invitation because we want to do things differently. We endeavour to be far better listeners than speakers.” ~Dr. Scott McLeod

“I know that Tyler is a sports fanatic; from our experience with the Siksika Health Services team today, it looks as though he’s assembling an all-star team to take it to the finish line.” – Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti 

“One of our core pillars at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta is innovation. We have much to learn from communities like Siksika Nation that have been innovating for decades and generations!” – Dr. Susan Ulan

Together we move forward with hope for a collaborative, more inclusive future for healthcare in Alberta.

The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta regulates the practice of medicine in Alberta. For more information about CPSA visit https://cpsa.ca/.