Family and former colleagues honour FNHC’s longtime Board Chair
Siksika’s Dr. Tyler White was recognized for his contributions to the FNHC at an event on November 13 in Edmonton. Dr. White was a founding member of the FNHC and served seven years as Board Chair. In attendance were Dr. White’s family members, former colleagues from Siksika Health Services, as well as partners and collaborators he worked with throughout his career.
Beginning the event with songs from Siksika drummers and a prayer from Elder Clement Leather, speeches were given by many of Dr. White’s colleagues including Senator Patti Laboucane-Benson, CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta Scott McLeod, former Alberta Minister of Health Deena Hinshaw, Carl Amrhein from the University of Alberta, as well as FNHC Board members and staff including Dr. Beatrice Little-Moustache, Scott Hickling, Nora Alook, Gloria Iatridis, Ruth Jongerius, Trish Merrithew-Mercredi, Gordon Auger and CEO Barry Phillips.
“Tonight we’ve come together to celebrate Dr. White’s commitment and passion to improving health, education and social services for First Nations and First Nations children in treaty six, seven, and eight, on- and off-reserve,” said Trish Merrithew-Mercredi FNHC’s Special Advisor to the Board and CEO. “Tyler has worked tirelessly to ensure that our children are able to receive the services that they require regardless of where they live here in Alberta and enjoy the quality of life that they fully deserve.”
Alberta Senator Patti Laboucane-Benson was in attendance and offered remarks about presenting the King Charles III Coronation Medal to Dr. White in September 2024 and their shared experience advising the Alberta government on child and family services.
“I had the distinct honour of bestowing the King Charles III Coronation Medal for Dr. Tyler White. It is a visible and tangible way to recognize 30,000 outstanding individuals of all ages and from all walks of life who have made a difference in their communities across Canada,” said Senator Laboucane-Benson. “Everybody here has talked about his work with the Consortium and as CEO of Health with Siksika, but we served on a ministerial panel that was examining and investigating child and family services for the Government of Alberta…It was such a pleasure to serve on that panel with Tyler. I want to congratulate Tyler on this chapter of his life.”
Dr. Beatrice Little-Moustache offered a gift to Dr. White on behalf of the FNHC staff and Board. Carl Amrhein from the University of Alberta spoke on the importance of the honourary degree given to Dr. White from the university. Other guests spoke about Dr. White’s contribution to the Indigenous health landscape in Alberta and his influence, including the CEO of the Alberta College of Physician and Surgeons Scott McLeod.
“I’m here tonight to recognize Tyler and thank him on behalf of the College of Physician and Surgeons and myself personally. Tyler served on our council for three years. He not only served as a member of council, he provide that quiet leadership to help influence how 14,000 regulated members, students and practicing physicians are going to see Indigenous health care in Alberta,” said McLeod. “He was the seed of tremendous growth for us, he helped us grow the Indigenous Advisory Circle and that impact is going to last for generations.”
Former Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Deena Hinshaw also spoke about a traditional Blackfoot naming ceremony Dr. White arranged for her after she transitioned from her role. She thanked Dr. White for his work over the years and his lasting impact on her.
“You have made a difference and you will continue to make a difference…I just want to express my gratitude to you and my best wishes for the amazing things I’m sure will come next.”
FNHC CEO Barry Phillips closed the evenings comments.
“Its all been said here tonight. You heard about the man, you’ve heard what’s been accomplished. It was unique to put this together (the FNHC) and it takes strong people to make sure that vision that we had, the purpose we wanted to serve, was going to be accomplished. With Tyler’s leadership over this last seven years, we’ve been able to demonstrate that.”
Dr. White spoke to attendees with gratitude, “thank you all for your kind words, your stories, and our experiences. Its overwhelming for sure. I thank you for the acknowledgement and the recognition tonight. I never would have imagined to be one of the individuals to create this special organization and to be mentored by very special people,” he said.
When asked about his professional advice to others, he said its all about hard work, “just get at it – roll up your sleeves.”
He looks forward to the future within Indigenous health in Alberta and the next phase of his career.
“We have some amazing superstars out there and I think the future is bright. We’ll continue to fight this good fight for children and families as we move forwards. I want to thank you.”
