“I went into medicine to help make a difference in the lives of people. Our Elders teach us that to do so, we have to act from a place of love and I do my best to remember this in my practice. Let’s bring the humanity back to medicine.”
About Me
Dr. James A. Makokis is a Nehiyô (Plains Cree) Family Physician from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in northeastern Alberta and the recent winner of Season 7 of “The Amazing Race Canada” with his husband Anthony Johnson as “Team Ahkameyimok” (“Never give up” in the Plains Cree language). They used their time on the show to bring attention to important issues like never before.
Dr. Makokis is a national and internationally recognized leader and author in the area of Indigenous health and transgender health. Recently named to “The Medical Post’s 2021 Power List,” Dr. Makokis believes that power should be shared, especially with those who have been disempowered. His philosophy of leadership is based on Nehiyô iyintiw wiyasiwewina (Cree Natural Laws) including kisewatisiwin (kindness), kwayask itatisiwin (honesty), sohkeyitamowin (strength/determination), and pahkwenamatowin (sharing) as taught to him by his Elders.
Dr. Makokis holds the following appointments:
Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine - University of Alberta
Medical Director, Shkaabe Makwa - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Adjunct Lecturer, Dalla Lana School of Public Health - University of Toronto
My Platform
Brave
Advocacy
Supporting physicians to use their voice.
Being Well
Ourselves
Supporting physicians to be happy and healthy across their careers.
Embracing EDI Across The Profession
Celebrating diversity and ensuring all physicians are represented.
Dr.Makokis Responds to CMA Questions
Leadership
United Nations
Watch the speech Dr. Makokis recently gave to UNDESA as one of five physician experts in the world on pandemics and Indigenous Peoples.
COVID - 19
Learn how Dr. Makokis has exercised leadership at a local and national level during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transgender Care
Learn how Dr. Makokis is revolutionizing Transgender care in Alberta and beyond.
Transgender Care In The Media
Dr. Makokis has become internationally recognized for his work in providing transgender care in Alberta. View these documentaries highlighting his work.
Leadership Positions
2020 – Present: Chair, National Physicians Minister’s Committee on Indigenous Health
2015 – Present: Waakebiness Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health Board Member – University of Toronto
2017 – 2020: Macewan University Inaugural Indigenous Advisory Council
August 2018 – 2019: Towards Optimized Practice – Transgender Health Working Group
August 2017 – 2019: Accreditation Canada/Health Services Organization – Primary Health Care Technical Committee Member
2012 – 2017: Chairperson, Indigenous Wisdom Council – Alberta Health Services
2013 - 2015: Board Member, Lakeland Primary Care Network
2011 – 2014: Board Member, Indigenous Physicians’ Association of Canada
2008 – 2014: Board Member (Governance Committee), Indspire (Canada’s largest Indigenous Charity)
2007-2009: National Spokesperson, National Aboriginal Health Organization’s Role Model Program
Awards
2020: Rising Star Award – Alumni Award of Distinction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
2019: The Amazing Race Canada Season 7 Winner
2019: Distinguished Alumni Award, Macewan University
2013: Queens Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
2007: Indspire Special Youth Award
‘Our existences are political’: What it means that a gay, indigenous couple won Canada’s ‘Amazing Race’
Bringing People Together
Watch Dr. Makokis on the Marilyn Denis Show Health Segment
Endorsements
Alberta physicians can vote here until February 25, 2021
Thank you for your time. It’s an exciting point in the CMA’s 154 year history for Alberta physicians to elect the first Indigenous and two-spirit President.
Ekosi pitama,
Dr. James A. Makokis