CPSA Leadership Visits Siksika Health Services to Strengthen Partnership
On May 11, 2026, Siksika Health Services welcomed senior leadership from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) to the Siksika Health & Wellness Centre for a day of dialogue, cultural exchange, and renewed commitment to working together.
The gathering brought together CPSA’s CEO & Registrar Dr. Colleen Forestier, Deputy Registrar Dr. Dawn Hartfield, and members of their executive team alongside Siksika Health Services leadership, Board Chair Councillor Ike Solway, and Health Department managers. The visit centered on reviewing and actioning the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) originally signed in September 2023, a foundational agreement reflecting both organizations’ shared commitment to culturally safe, equitable health care for the Siksika Nation.
The day opened in a good way, with an opening prayer and smudge led by Elder Floria Duck Chief, followed by welcoming remarks from Councillor Ike Solway, CEO Angie Sarsons, and Dr. Colleen Forestier. Over a shared lunch, the two teams turned to a wide-ranging best practices and information exchange. Discussions explored some of the most pressing issues in Indigenous health care today, including cultural safety and humility in medical practice, racism and discrimination in health care, the recruitment and retention of Indigenous physicians, trauma-informed care, jurisdictional gaps, the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action, and patient complaint processes.
“Welcoming CPSA’s leadership to Siksika is an important step in our shared journey toward reconciliation in health care. Strengthening this relationship, grounded in mutual respect, cultural understanding, and a genuine commitment to action, helps ensure our community receives the safe, equitable, and culturally grounded care our people deserve.”
~ Angie Sarsons, CEO, Siksika Health Services
“Thank you for the warm welcome to Siksika and for the opportunity to discuss how we can advance safe, quality health care together. As the medical regulator in Alberta, CPSA plays an important role in setting expectations for physician care. Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do, and we recognize that supporting safe, high-quality health care for the Siksika people is best achieved by working together as partners.”
~ Dr. Colleen Forestier, CPSA Registrar & CEO
The visit concluded with closing comments, an exchange of gifts, and a tour of the Siksika Health & Wellness Centre, a meaningful close to a day focused on building trust and a stronger path forward together.
