b'INDSPIRE AWARD LAUREATEhigh-profile parts in Buffalo Tracks,Becoming one of Canadascontinues, especially when facing These Arms of Mine, Da Vincis CityIndigenous healthcare leaders hasprejudice throughout his schooling. Hall, Raven Tales and Indian Horse,been a journey almost 30 years inI never had more racist experi-to name only a few of his the making. Along the way, Adamsences than in medical school, he 35-plus credits.has drawn strength and guidancenotes. Fortunately, my father, who Ive always loved acting andfrom traditional Indigenous values.is a former athlete and still trekking believe everyone should try it,Kindness, humility, respect andalong at 85, helped me understand Adams says. We all have toservice are at the centre of mythat sometimes people cheat and present at some point in our lives,work and values I strive for all thetheyre not good. He taught me whether were telling the storiestime, he says.that you need to keep smiling and of our families or honouring andPractising these values hasntbe strong and clear enough to celebrating them at, say, a wedding.always been easy, Adamsget through. There are always times when were called upon to get up and say, This is who I am, and this is what I want to talk to you about today.Acting did not deter Adams from his initial ambition to study medi-cine. Outside of the view of the camera lens, he earned his medical doctorate from the University of Calgary in 2002 and completed a residency in the Aboriginal Family Practice program at St. Pauls Hospital in Vancouver. From there, he achieved his masters degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland,JFK Law represents Indigenous communities throughout Canada. and worked extensively in FirstWe work with our clients to advance their Nations, protect their rights Nations health across Canada. and build their economies.In 2007, Adams became B.C.s firstDriven by a passion for justice, we offer creative legal solutions Aboriginal Health Physician Advisorand work towards meaningful change.in the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, and in 2012, he rose to the position of B.C.sLitigation and Dispute Resolution Consultation, Accommodation Deputy Provincial Health Officer.Using the courts strategically toand Regulatory ReviewIn 2020, he became the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Indigenousadvance your AboriginalMaking the Crown respect the Services Canada to help with theand Treaty Rightsduty to consult and accommodateworldwide pandemic.Complex Negotiations Capacity and GovernanceLED BY TRADITION Securing and implementing your Helping build strong, Multitasking across several decadescommunitys rights throughsustainable communitieshas been demanding, but according to Adams, it helps when the jobscomplex negotiationsserve a common goal. Acting and medicine are both about beingVictoria Office Vancouver Officekind, helping others, and servingP: 250 405.3460TF: 1 888 687.8388communities, which is what a lot of816 - 1175 Douglas Street 340 - 1122 Mainland Streetour teachings tell us. I love whatVictoria, BC V8W 2E1 Vancouver, BC V6B 5L1I do because I can sleep at nightWorking Together for Justice and Reconciliationknowing Im trying to help peoplewww.jfklaw.caand doing good things, he says.2022indspiration47'