Walking the Path of Reconciliation: A Conversation with Adam North Peigan

A product of a residential school and a survivor of the Sixties Scoop , i.e., the period from the 1960s to the 1980s when thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and placed in foster care or adoption, Adam brings lived experience and a vision for building stronger relationships between Covenant and Indigenous communities across Alberta. 

Adam joined Covenant in December 2024 to lead this work and help strengthen relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across the province. 

Listening and Learning

Q: What has the work looked like so far? 
 

Adam: We have hosted engagement sessions in Edmonton, Leduc, Lethbridge, Calgary, Rocky Mountain House, and La Crete, with more to come. The goal is to listen to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members, then identify common themes to shape Covenant’s Indigenous Health Plan. 

This project began in ceremony. We held a pipe ceremony with Elders, our board, and executive leadership team. The work continues to be grounded in ceremony, which is vital. 

Bringing His Lived Experience 

Q: How does your own experience shape this work? 
 

Adam: As a Sixties Scoop Survivor, I bring deep compassion to this role. I have felt the impacts of colonization in my own life and community, which helps me empathize when I hear survivors’ stories. 

It also fuels my commitment to breaking the cycle. Colonization happened over hundreds of years, and we cannot fix everything overnight, but we can take steps so the next generation feels equal and included. 

Building a Better System 

Q: What is the ultimate goal of your work? 
 

Adam: My goal is to address Calls to Action 18 through 24 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which focus on Indigenous health. 

That means addressing racism in health care, improving access for remote communities, and building capacity by increasing the number of Indigenous doctors, nurses, health care aides, and staff members across Covenant sites. Success is when Indigenous peoples have culturally safe and equitable access to quality health care. 

The Role of Donors 

Q: How do donors and Covenant Foundation support this work? 
 

Adam: Donors are essential. They support projects like creating smudging and ceremony spaces in our facilities or sponsoring cultural events such as tipi raisings and Indigenous healing gardens. The Foundation has also supported our engagement sessions by providing door prizes like gas cards and movie passes, which encourage participation. 

More broadly, donor contributions are an investment in reconciliation. They help Covenant develop Indigenous health programming that makes care more culturally safe and respectful. 

A Call to Walk Together 

Q: What message would you share with donors and partners this Truth and Reconciliation Month? 

Adam: I encourage donors to see themselves as walking alongside Indigenous peoples on this journey. Reconciliation is not just about words. It is about action and investment. By supporting Indigenous health programming, donors are helping create a more inclusive health system for all Albertans. 

Looking Ahead 

What opportunities do you see for donors to deepen this work? 
 

Adam: I would like to see an Indigenous Health Department within Covenant and greater Indigenous representation among care providers and staff at every site. 

With donor support, these ideas can become reality. It’s about building the capacity to truly embed Indigenous perspectives into the heart of our health care system, improve accessibility for Indigenous peoples, and create health facilities where they feel safe, respected, and supported on their healing journey. 

Final Thoughts 

At Covenant Foundation, we are proud to be on this journey with Adam. Indigenous health is a strategic priority at Covenant, and Adam’s leadership is helping us listen, learn, and act. With our donors and partners, we are investing in culturally safe care and stronger relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.  

Reconciliation benefits everyone. By improving care for Indigenous peoples, we help build a better health system for all Albertans. 

With the help of our donors, Covenant Foundation supports spiritual care initiatives like the Indigenous Healing Garden, the engagement sessions, and Truth and Reconciliation education sessions. Will you make a gift today?