New partnership brings a resident physician to three Saskatchewan First Nations clinics

The Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre and the Saskatchewan Health Authority have teamed up to station a physician in community clinics on Little Pine, Poundmaker and Sweetgrass First Nations. This move ends a 17-year gap for residents like Melanie Kahmahkotayo, who previously had to travel off-reserve for appointments and endured long waits. Dr. Cora Mirasty, an Indigenous doctor familiar with Cree language and customs, will lead the effort, emphasizing meaningful, long-term care over quick prescriptions.

Patients reported past difficulties finding doctors and encountering bias, but welcomed the prospect of a local, culturally sensitive provider. Early visits, such as those by Lucy Whitecalf and Brooke Cameron, suggest the partnership is already improving access and patient confidence.