LETHBRIDGE – Canadians will be recognizing the diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities by celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Week, June 17 to 21.
In the South Zone, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has planned a number of events throughout the week. The public is welcome to attend all of the following events.
At Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH):
Monday June 17:
- 10 a.m. – Launch of Indigenous Patient Navigator program, in the hospital atrium, featuring Indigenous drummers and dancers
- 11:30 a.m. – A teepee painting will be unveiled and an art walk starts in the atrium
Tuesday June 18:
- 11:30 a.m. – Art walk begins in the atrium
- Noon to 2 p.m. – The film Indian Horse will be shown in County Hall
- 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Smudge education in the Ceremony Room, fourth level, new wing
- 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Local students create sidewalk chalk artwork in the hospital courtyard
Wednesday June 19:
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Art in the atrium. Create a piece of Indigenous-style artwork
- 2:30 p.m. – Art walk begins in the atrium
Thursday June 20:
- 10:30 a.m. – Art walk begins in the atrium
- 11:30 a.m. – Female drummers in the atrium
Friday June 21:
- 10 a.m. – Teepee blessing pipe ceremony, grassy area outside the Auxiliary wing
- 11:30 a.m. – Barbecue, Auxiliary entrance, $3 pays for your choice of either a bison burger, beef burger or hot dog, plus chips and a beverage
- 1 p.m. – Teepee will be open for viewing on the grassy area outside the Auxiliary
Each day during the week, a different Indigenous lunch special will be offered at the Chinook Regional Hospital cafeteria.
Indigenous Health staff at the hospital would like to thank Friends of Chinook Regional Hospital for making much of this special week’s activities possible through its generous donations. The Friends society operates the hospital’s gift shop and supports programs important to the patient experience.
At Medicine Hat Regional Hospital:
Monday June 17:
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Sidewalk chalk with messages of hope from local students
Tuesday June 18:
- 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. – The film Indian Horse will be shown, Level 3 Lecture Theatre
Wednesday June 19:
- 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Smudge education on 2 North Patio, weather permitting, or Level 3 Classroom C if raining
Thursday June 20:
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Art display, crafts, information booth in the Ambulatory Care Atrium
At Cardston Health Centre:
Tuesday, June 18:
- 1 p.m. – Smudge education, Room 136
Thursday June 20:
- 9 a.m. – Art in the entrance
- 1 p.m. – Smudge education, Room 136
Friday June 21:
- 11 a.m. – Saipoyi Dance Troupe, with berry soup and fry bread available
At Pincher Creek Health Centre:
Monday June 17:
- 11:30 a.m. – Blackfoot tacos by the Napi Friendship Centre, hospital entrance.
Tuesday June 18:
- 11 a.m. – Art in the entrance
Friday June 21:
- 10 a.m. – Smudge education in the chapel
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
