Canadian Medical Association

The Canadian Medical Association’s Guiding Circle convened for the first time this week, building on the CMA’s ongoing work towards reconciliation.

The Guiding Circle — which met on Sept. 19 and 20 — will identify areas of focus for the CMA’s work on Indigenous health.

It brings together 16 First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, experts and knowledge-keepers:

  • Barbara Bruce, Métis Kookum, Man.
  • Melvin Hardy, First Nations Elder, Ont.
  • Julie Ivalu, Inuit Elder and Knowledge Keeper, Nunavut/ Ont.
  • Catharyn Andersen, Memorial University of Newfoundland’s first VP Indigenous, Nunatsiavut/ NL
  • Rebecca Boyer, RN, Que.
  • Paula Cashin, MD (radiology), CMA board member, NL
  • Jayelle Friesen-Enns, medical student at University of Manitoba
  • Stephanie Gilbert, RN, Nunavut/NWT
  • Donna May Kimmaliardjuk, MD (cardiology), Nunavut/ Ont./ NL
  • Alika Lafontaine, MD (anesthesia), CMA president and board member, Alta./ Sask.
  • Dan Longboat, PhD and associate professor at Trent University, Ont.
  • Brennan MacDonald, VP operations for Vancouver Island Region, First Nations Health Authority, BC
  • James Makokis, MD (family medicine), Alta.
  • Lisa Monkman, MD (family medicine), Man.
  • Tammy White Quills-Knife, CMA Patient Voice, Alta.
  • Sarah Williams, MD, CMA strategic advisor, BC/ Ont.

Front row from left to right: Stephanie Gilbert, Tammy White Quills-Knife, Julie Ivalu, Melvin Hardy, Barbara Bruce, James Makokis, Catharyn Andersen and Paula Cashin. Back row from left to right: Alika Lafontaine, Jayelle Friesen-Enns, Sarah Williams, Lisa Monkman and Dan Longboat. Virtual attendees included Brennan MacDonald, Donna May Kimmaliardjuk and Rebecca Boyer.

Front row from left to right: Stephanie Gilbert, Tammy White Quills-Knife, Julie Ivalu, Melvin Hardy, Barbara Bruce, James Makokis, Catharyn Andersen and Paula Cashin. Back row from left to right: Alika Lafontaine, Jayelle Friesen-Enns, Sarah Williams, Lisa Monkman and Dan Longboat. Virtual attendees included Brennan MacDonald, Donna May Kimmaliardjuk and Rebecca Boyer.

Each member of the Guiding Circle, who together reflect the diverse and broad perspectives of communities across the country, has an equal voice.

Indigenous health equity is one of seven strategic priorities outlined in  Impact 2040, the CMA’s ambitious, long-term vision for change.

Learn more about the Guiding Circle


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