A new online resource launched by Covenant Health is making it easier for healthcare staff at Camrose’s St. Mary’s Hospital and across Alberta to find reliable information on Indigenous health topics. The Indigenous Health Subject Guide, released on June 15, brings together curated books, videos, reports, and other materials focused on First Nations, Metis, and Inuit wellness.
The guide, developed with Indigenous partners and Acute Care Alberta Library Services, fills a long-standing gap. Until now, staff and physicians often had to search scattered sources for culturally relevant resources. The new guide covers areas like cultural safety, health equity, and traditional ways of knowing, all in one easy-to-navigate spot.
Medical librarian Lana Atkinson, who first proposed the project, said it took much longer than she expected. “It really took a lot longer than that,” she said, referring to an early six-month estimate. Building trust with Indigenous communities was essential, she noted, and the final product reflects years of careful relationship-building.
Amber Ruben, a consultant for Indigenous health equity at Covenant Health, described the guide as a “comprehensive collection” that weaves Indigenous voices into both its creation and content. The resource is public, meaning patients, families, and anyone in the Camrose area can use it to learn more about Indigenous health and wellness.
The launch comes as Covenant Health continues broader reconciliation work. Between May 2025 and April 2026, the organization held engagement sessions with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities across Alberta. Feedback from those conversations is now shaping an Indigenous Health Plan, with the new guide acting as a practical tool to support frontline staff like those at St. Mary’s Hospital, a 76-bed facility serving Camrose and surrounding communities.
The Indigenous Health Subject Guide is available online at the Acute Care Alberta library website, offering a starting point for anyone seeking trustworthy Indigenous health information.
