Dr. Esther Tailfeathers 

Physician

Dr. Esther Tailfeathers of the Blood Reserve, graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and completed her Family Medicine Residency at the University of Alberta. She has worked in many native communities including the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, the remote northern community of Fort Chipewyan, and the Blood Reserve.

One of Dr. Tailfeathers’ highlights thus far in her career has been the organizing of a relief mission to Haiti after the earthquake, which included a team from the blood tribe consisting of paramedics, nurses and health care workers. During their relief effort they took care of over 2000 patients.

Most recently she has worked with her community in response to the Fentanyl Crisis which began in the fall of 2014. The NFB Film “Kimmaapiiipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy” produced and directed by her daughter Elle-Maija Tailfeathers, documents the communities efforts to address the Opioid Crisis and the work of Dr. Tailfeathers on these community initiatives.

Dr. Tailfeathers helped launch Albertas first Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic aimed at reducing barriers to primary care for rural and remote indigenous Albertans. 

Alongside other health system leaders in Alberta, Dr. Tailfeathers spearheaded the development and implementation of the Indigenous Wellness Program Alternative Relationship Plan and supported creation and implantation of an AHS staff cultural competency program and worked with Oncologists and cancer support staff to incorporate traditional medicines in the cancer journey.

She is currently the Medical Lead of the Indigenous Wellness Core with Alberta Health Services.

She has served as the Keynote Speaker for numerous Conferences and Workshops with a particular emphasis for Addictions and Treatment.

Dr. Tailfeathers was the recipient of the Dr. Thomas Dignan National award from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2019.



Dr. Tailfeathers is most proud of her two children; Elle-Maija Tailfeathers and Piinaakoyim Tailfeathers and the work they are each doing to help indigenous communities.