Toronto, ON – February 4, 2026 – Following formal resolutions from the Chiefs of Ontario and the Assembly of First Nations urging the federal government to reinstate chiropractic care under NIHB, the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) with the Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus (ICC) is calling for reinstatement and federal collaboration with Indigenous leadership.
The Chiefs of Ontario, representing 133 First Nations communities, passed the resolution in support of health sovereignty, culturally safe care, and equitable access to evidence-based services. The Assembly of First Nations has passed the same resolution nationally, reflecting widespread concern about gaps in access to non-invasive musculoskeletal care for First Nations individuals.
“This resolution is a powerful recognition of the importance of non-invasive musculoskeletal care for First Nations communities,” said Dr. Jennifer Ward, Co-Chair of the ICC. “It is a meaningful step toward equitable and culturally safe care.”
“We are proud to see Indigenous leadership and the chiropractic community working together,” added Dr. David Peeace, ICC Co-Chair. “This is about health sovereignty and ensuring communities have appropriate care options.”
The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), in collaboration with the ICC, has formally written to Minister Mandy Gull-Masty and Minister Rebecca Chartrand to convey the resolutions and call for reinstatement.
“When First Nations leadership speaks so clearly, it creates an opportunity for meaningful federal action,” said Dr. Ayla Azad, CEO of the CCA. “Reinstating chiropractic care under NIHB would improve access to non-pharmacological pain management and support Indigenous-led approaches to care.”
Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common causes of pain and disability. Chiropractic care is evidence-based, non-invasive, and aligns with national and international health frameworks, including the WHO’s MSK guidelines and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
The CCA is calling on the federal government to collaborate with Indigenous leaders to reinstate chiropractic care under NIHB.
About the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA)
The Canadian Chiropractic Association represents over 8,000 Doctors of Chiropractic across Canada who treat and manage musculoskeletal conditions that impact the health of millions of Canadians. Every year, at least 4.7 million Canadians rely on chiropractors to help them manage the serious burden of musculoskeletal pain and disease. As one of Canada’s largest primary contact healthcare professions, chiropractors provide evidence-based, non-invasive, drug-free manual therapies.
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Simone Lai, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, CCA
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