Dec 1, 2023

On November 28, Dr. Jennifer Ward, Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus (CCA) Co-Chair, Dr. Judy Forrester, Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) Board Chair, Dr. Ayla Azad, CCA CEO, and Madison Ciponi, CCA Manager of Government Relations engaged in a historic meeting with the Indigenous Affairs Advisor to Canada’s Prime Minister to discuss Indigenous health and the importance of expanding the non-insurable health benefits program to restore chiropractic care for Indigenous populations.

The primary focus of the discussion was the systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities across Canada, and the contribution that chiropractic care can make to current healthcare challenges facing the country, such as the health human resource (HHR) crisis and the opioid crisis. During the meeting, the CCA and ICC emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing the unique healthcare needs of Indigenous populations. In addition to highlighting the pressing need to re-include chiropractic care under the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, the CCA team of staff and volunteer leadership emphasized the need to include the chiropractic profession in the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Dr. Jennifer Ward has a practice in Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba. Dr. Ward shared with the Prime Minister’s Office the firsthand struggles and barriers she faces while treating her community, including cost and accessibility. Dr. Ward also works in a not-for-profit clinic in Pimicikamak Okimawin, funded by Health Canada, the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation, and the Skoll Foundation. This clinic offers free access to high-quality, low-cost, non-pharmaceutical, and non-surgical care for low back and neck pain as the first step in a comprehensive spine care model. Dr. Ward shared the success of this clinic, which reflects a best practise model of chiropractic care for Indigenous communities.

The Prime Minister’s Office advised that they are reviewing strategies aimed at improving Indigenous people’s health and wellness. They also acknowledged the value of diverse, culturally sensitive, and community-specific healthcare approaches, including chiropractic care, in promoting holistic health outcomes for Indigenous individuals.

A primary goal of the ICC is to create a platform for Indigenous health advocacy, dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between Indigenous communities, chiropractors, and policymakers. The CCA, ICC and the Prime Minister’s Office agreed to continue the conversation through ongoing collaboration, seeking to develop initiatives that address specific health challenges faced by Indigenous communities. This includes exploring opportunities to integrate chiropractic care into existing healthcare frameworks, ensuring culturally sensitive and accessible services.

This historic meeting marks a significant step forward in fostering cooperation between the chiropractic community and the federal government to address Indigenous health concerns. All parties expressed optimism about the potential positive impact of collaborative efforts on the well-being of Indigenous populations across Canada.

The meeting with the Prime Minister’s Office concluded a two-day event on Parliament Hill where the CCA and ICC hosted an official signing ceremony of the ICC’s Terms of Reference, engaged in media activities, and attended several meetings with other Parliamentarians.

The CCA remains committed to advocating for inclusive healthcare solutions and looks forward to further opportunities for collaboration with government stakeholders to enhance the health and wellness of all Canadians, with a particular focus on addressing the health inequities for Indigenous communities.