A passion for advancing equity for Indigenous Peoples in healthcare spaces

As a practising pharmacist in hospital settings, Amber Ruben experienced a general lack of knowledge around Indigenous healthcare. Born in Fort Smith, NWT, her Inuvialuit (Northwestern Arctic Inuit) heritage instilled in her both a strong sense of identity and the dedication to improve Indigenous health equity. 

She returned to school to begin a master’s degree program in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2021 with the goal of identifying and, eventually, enacting healthcare solutions through an Indigenous lens. Opportunities soon came her way to put her research and the work of others into action, including inaugural membership on the board of directors of Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada and a chair role with the Indigenizing working group for The Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network, among other roles. 

“These places and spaces have provided me with the opportunity to work with others who are passionate about Indigenous health,” says Amber. “They have provided opportunities to learn, grow and connect.”

Recognizing that there is still “so much more to learn” in the field of Indigenous healthcare, Amber is considering further education somewhere down the line, beyond her current practice and advocacy roles.

Congratulations Amber!

What led you to choose this area of study, and why the U of A?

My research focused on understanding relationships between First Nations community members and community pharmacists. I have a deep interest in Indigenous health, particularly in exploring health and wellness solutions through an Indigenous lens. I was also motivated by a desire to understand the relationships between Indigenous Peoples and healthcare professionals. With 15 years of experience in hospital pharmacy practice before beginning my MSc, centring my research around relationships with pharmacists was a natural and meaningful choice.

The U of A was an ideal place to pursue my studies because my family — my husband and our three children — have made our home in the Edmonton area, and my professional life is also based here.

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

I started my coursework in the fall of 2021 while I was working part-time in the ICU during COVID-19, and school was a welcome distraction. I took NS 590 - Community-Based Research with Nancy Van Styvendale. This class, professor and cohort of students were inspiring. The readings and discussions challenged my previously held ideas about what science and research are and opened my eyes to Indigenous-led research and methodologies. The class shaped the rest of my master’s degree, but more importantly, the lens through which I see the world. 

Did you take on any leadership or volunteer roles while you were a student? If so, please share your experiences.

Although I hadn’t expected to change jobs while in school, I realized I wanted to focus all my efforts on improving Indigenous health equity. Opportunities opened up to do just that. Within Covenant Health, I was asked to take on a consultant role to conduct an internal assessment of our organization's progress in advancing the Truth and Reconciliation: Calls to Action. Once the report was completed, the role was extended and I currently lead internal organizational work to increase education and awareness on Indigenous health issues.

I am also humbled and honoured to be one of the inaugural members of the board of directors of Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada. I have had the opportunity to learn what it means to be a board member and to advocate for Indigenous health issues within the realm of pharmacy. This group has provided so much more — relationships, support and grounding in a connection to culture. The Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network (CADeN) also began work to decolonize and Indigenize their network, and I was provided an opportunity to have a voice in the Indigenizing Working Group. As work continued, I was approached to take the chair role within the working group, which also extends a position on the CADeN executive committee. 

These places and spaces have provided me with the opportunity to work with others who are passionate about Indigenous health. They have provided opportunities to learn, grow and connect. Although most of the roles I have taken are in the Indigenous health space, my family is my priority and passion, so I have served as chair of their school council for several years, stepping down this fall.  

Did you face any significant challenges while you were a student, and if so, how did you respond?

There were many challenges at different levels. Working to use community-based participatory research (CBPR) at an MSc level was challenging, given the timeline. However, the Alexander First Nation Research Committee was involved in every decision about the research process, which is essential in CBPR. Every voice at our table was equal. There were moments of tension between Western research processes and First Nations ways of doing, being and understanding. It can be challenging to find a solution that respects and satisfies both.

Through open dialogue at our meetings, we were able to navigate any challenges. I also found choosing a theoretical perspective and methodology to be far more difficult than I had imagined. With increasing First Nations, Métis and Inuit representation in research spaces, it was important to me to ensure that I provided the most accurate reflection of the type of research this was, based on my own positionality and lens(es). I felt that I had to respect and honour Alexander First Nation, the work of those in research who have worked so hard to raise Indigenous voices, and myself.

What advice do you have for current or future students?

My advice for current or future students is to reach out to graduate students who have completed or are further along in their programs for insights. It is difficult to know what types of questions to ask about graduate school, because it is such a different experience from an undergraduate program. I found that there were questions I should have asked early on that I had no idea about, and it would have been helpful to speak with someone about their challenges and expectations for the program.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation? 

I will be taking a six-week family vacation in Australia! 

What's next after graduation?

I will continue in my current roles because they align with my passion for advancing equity for Indigenous Peoples in healthcare spaces. I am considering further education because there is so much more to learn, and I want to continue to build the skills I need to advance Indigenous health education and its evaluation in healthcare.