2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month
On a postpartum visit, Midwife Nicole Matheson checks on Karlee Fellner and her children.
Fellner gave birth to her daughter in a tipi alongside Matheson - honouring the importance of respecting and integrating cultural beliefs, values and practices into midwifery care. Photo by Leah Hennel
Join us through the month of June as we honour Indigenous peoples living in Alberta by taking part in virtual and in person events that celebrate Indigenous peoples and communities under the theme Embracing Cultural Safety. This year's events are being celebrated in collaboration with Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Recovery Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Health Shared Services.
Cultural safety is defined by the experience of the patient. Going beyond cultural awareness or sensitivity, it is evident when we honour unique Indigenous histories, identities and world views. When we practice cultural safety, patients experience an environment free of racism and discrimination, where they feel safe receiving health care.
Throughout the month, our sessions will focus on what cultural safety can look and feel like for patients. We will explore the concept of embracing cultural safety in our interactions with patients, in the care environments that we create, in our relationships with community partners and in our systems.
*Please note: This page is moderated, and any inappropriate or disrespectful content will be edited and/or removed.
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Videos
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Primary Care Alberta's Indigenous Support Lineᐟᐦᐁ ᐃᐣdᐃgᐁᓄuᐢᐢuᑊᐳᕒᐟ ᓬᐃᓀ started as a way to help provide greater access, care and understanding for Indigenous patients across the province. By connecting them to resources or even by simply offering a listening ear, the line is helping build equity in healthcare.
Last year, the line received over 2,500 calls, providing recommendations, support or referrals to each caller.
The Indigenous Support Line can be accessed by calling 1-844-944-4744 (toll-free) or Health Link at 811 Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Maskwacîs artist Mistikonapew, also known as Byron Samson, shares the family, community and cultural connections behind his mural at Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre.
The two newly installed wall-wrap murals celebrate Cree heritage, Indigenous art in healthcare spaces and the Maskwacîs Cree Nations. The artwork brings together historic Chiefs from the four Nations, including the artist’s own ancestors and ancestors of Cree continuing care residents, alongside inspirational community members past and present.
The murals help create a more welcoming healthcare space for patients, continuing care residents, families, staff and visitors while honouring culture, history, identity and connection. The project reflects the importance of cultural safety in Indigenous healthcare, including long-term care and continuing care for Indigenous patients and residents in Alberta.
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Keynote Speaker Reagan Bartel, Health Director for the Otipemisiwak Metis Government, shares her perspectives on what it means to embrace cultural safety at the 2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month Closing Ceremonies at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.
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This performance of Métis jigging and fiddling was part of the Closing Ceremonies for National Indigenous Peoples Month 2026 at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.
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Traditional First Nations Dancing at the 2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month Closing Ceremonies, hosted at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.
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Inuit Throat Singers performed at the Closing Ceremonies for National Indigenous Peoples Month 2026 at Alberta Hospital Edmonton. This performance was sponsored by Assisted Living Alberta.
