The ABVMA is proud to celebrate National Indigenous History Month and acknowledge our respect for the unique histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people. As caregivers and stewards of animals, we feel a close connection to Indigenous Peoples’ and the importance that animals have played in the many lives, communities, cultures and history here in Alberta. There is a special connection we all have with the animals in our lives, from the pets in our homes to the livestock that is raised on our farms to the animals who live in the forests, mountains and great plains of our province. We’re proud to recognize the identity and spirit that is inherently connected to the land we share.  

Much of the establishment of Alberta can be attributed to Indigenous Peoples’ who settled the region thousands of years prior to the arrival of European settlers. European settlers throughout Alberta were sustained through the support they received from Aboriginal people who generously shared their knowledge and wisdom and intimate relationship with the land and nature. 

As an organization, the ABVMA acknowledges that our offices and the businesses we represent reside on Treaty Six, Seven and Eight territory and together call upon our collective honoured traditions and spirit to maintain us in a strong and lasting relationship between our organization and member veterinarians and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Non-Status Aboriginal Peoples’.  

Following the approval of a formal EDI statement this past April, ABVMA Council struck an EDI Task Force made up of a varied cross-section of ABVMA members. The task force will get to work this summer, and is dedicated to building and enhancing positive relationships to promote equality, diversity and inclusivity within our profession. We will continue to promote our shared values of honesty, respect, mutual sharing and contribution and believe in accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, responsiveness and shared stewardship. 

As we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st, we would like to reflect upon and learn the history, sacrifices, cultures, contributions, and strength of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. We also look forward to a future of promise where we will build relationships with Indigenous Peoples’ that will be rooted in trust and respect.

Learn more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.