FNHA is proud to share that Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nel Wieman has been named a recipient of the inaugural Dr. Barry Lavallee Indigenous Health Advocacy Award by the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC).

This award honours Indigenous physicians, residents, and medical learners whose advocacy demonstrates courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to advancing Indigenous health and challenging harmful systems in health care and medical education.

Dr. Wieman is Anishinaabe from Miishipaawitiik First Nation in Treaty 5 Territory. She has held progressive leadership roles at FNHA since 2018, serving as Senior Medical Officer for Mental Health & Wellness, Acting and then Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Acting Chief Medical Officer, and now Chief Medical Officer. Canada's first female Indigenous psychiatrist, she has more than 20 years of clinical experience supporting Indigenous Peoples in both rural and urban settings.

Her national leadership includes serving as president of IPAC, co‑founding the National Consortium on Indigenous Medical Education, contributing to the In Plain Sight Task Team, and receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.

Dr. Wieman's work continues to advance Indigenous health through her expertise in mental health and wellness, trauma‑informed practice, addictions, cannabis policy, and health communications.