The Canadian College of Health Leaders is proud to announce that Colin Zieber, CHE, Senior Operating Officer at Alberta Health Services South Zone, has been awarded the 2025 Celebrating the Human Spirit Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the healthcare community, particularly in support of Indigenous patients and families.
Colin’s career, which spans over three decades, has been defined by his tireless commitment to improving health outcomes and promoting reconciliation, especially for vulnerable populations in Southern Alberta. His leadership has been pivotal in fostering culturally safe healthcare environments, including his work with the Blood Tribe Department of Health and Piikani Nations. Colin’s efforts have not only transformed healthcare delivery but also inspired a new generation of health leaders, including his own children, who have followed in his footsteps into the healthcare profession.
A key achievement that highlights Colin’s dedication to reconciliation and health equity is his role in establishing the first on-nation provincially funded long-term care facility for Indigenous elders in Alberta. Colin’s personal journey into reconciliation began with his deep understanding of the trauma experienced by Indigenous elders who were historically removed from their communities for care. Through his advocacy, the facility offers elders a safe, culturally appropriate space within their own community, preventing the re-traumatization of being displaced once again. Colin also spearheaded initiatives like the pop-up clinics that brought essential healthcare services directly to marginalized groups, such as the unhoused population, further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to equitable care for all.
Colin’s influence extends beyond his direct healthcare work, with his leadership in fostering partnerships that address systemic barriers to Indigenous health. One of his proudest accomplishments is his collaboration with local government and community leaders, including the City of Lethbridge, to expand shelter spaces for the unhoused. His efforts in promoting the inclusion of Indigenous ceremonies and cultural practices in medical settings—such as smudging and prayers—during patient disclosures have fostered greater trust and healing within Indigenous communities. The recognition of Colin with the Iniskim (Buffalo Stone) name by Blackfoot elder Patrick Black Plume speaks to the profound respect he has earned among Indigenous communities. His dedication to truth and reconciliation continues to serve as a powerful example of compassionate leadership in healthcare.
The Celebrating the Human Spirit Award recognizes and honours the meaningful contributions of individuals or teams, who provide health services, for acts of caring and compassion that go above and beyond the call of duty, which inspire others and have a profound and lasting impact. This can be interpreted broadly to include any act that improves an individual patient’s health and/or spirit, the lives of the patient’s family and/or the community. This award is a vehicle to share their stories with colleagues from across Canada and to help inspire others.
The Celebrating the Human Spirit Award is sponsored by HIROC. The Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada (HIROC) is a member-owned expert provider of professional and general liability coverage and risk management support.
This award is part of our CCHL National Awards Program and will be presented at the Honouring Health Leadership event on June 15, 2025. For further information and/or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Christian Coulombe
Vice-President, Marketing & Membership
Canadian College of Health Leaders
613-235-7219, ext. 213
ccoulombe@cchl-ccls.ca
