Amber Ruben, consultant, Indigenous health equity and reconciliation

Amber Ruben embodies the essence of social justice through her unwavering commitment to advocating for Indigenous peoples and fostering meaningful change within Covenant Health. As a dedicated consultant and bridge-builder, Amber works tirelessly to create an inclusive healthcare environment that respects Indigenous customs, perspectives and lived experiences.

Amber’s impact is felt organization-wide, from frontline healthcare workers to leadership teams. She has facilitated critical conversations that challenge biases and encourage learning, helping colleagues navigate complex issues related to colonization and Indigenous healthcare disparities. Her ability to translate Indigenous realities into actionable insights has led to transformative changes in care practices.

Amber extends her advocacy into the broader community. Her compassionate nature was evident when she assisted a young, homeless Indigenous woman, ensuring she had access to basic necessities with dignity and care. She engaged Indigenous leaders and educators, organizing land-based learning opportunities for Covenant staff and guiding the development of a meaningful land acknowledgment process.

In assessing Covenant Health’s readiness for Truth and Reconciliation, Amber helped create tangible improvements in staff education, cultural sensitivity training and policy development. Her contributions to the Indigenous health strategy demonstrate a deep commitment to creating an inclusive healthcare that actively seeks to repair historical injustices.

Through her advocacy and relentless pursuit of equity, Amber is an agent of change and a driving force behind a more just and compassionate healthcare system.