Vanessa Ambtman-Smith is challenging colonial systems in healthcare – The Gazette
April 20, 2026
Vanessa Ambtman-Smith’s first experience at a hospital lasted 21 days.
Now, she’s making it her life’s mission to make sure Indigenous children never have to fight for their rights in Canada’s healthcare system again.
Born during the Sixties Scoop, Vanessa was removed from her home and immediately placed into the child welfare system. After 21 days of waiting in the hospital, she was adopted by a non-Indigenous family in Alberta.
