Sharing stories and experiences, Indigenous Liaison Tracy Day Chief provides support and understanding

‘I hope I’m doing good for them, to the best of my ability’

Story by Kelly Morris | Photo by Leah Hennel

CARDSTON — Tracy Day Chief is an Indigenous liaison at Cardston Health Centre, supporting families and patients during some of their most difficult times.

“My job is advocating for the Indigenous patients. I work very closely with the families, the caregivers and our elders. I love my job — that connection, to be able to help my own people, especially our elders who aren’t able to speak English, who are fluent in Blackfoot. I can understand it very well, and I can speak it a little, but I’ve always been able to communicate with them.”

Through storytelling, Day Chief uses her own experiences to connect with clients, show understanding and guide them towards the resources and supports that are available.

“I use my own personal experiences and stories because I have a daughter — my oldest daughter — who is struggling with addiction,” adds Day Chief. “Using my stories, I tell them where I’m at in my life, and I may not be the one that’s addicted, but I’m dealing with my child, so I fully understand what they’re going through.

Day Chief wonders about her daughter: “Is there anybody there to help her look at all these options, all these resources available? So, I do my best to help these individuals at that moment they are here, wanting to get that help.”

Day Chief also provides support to patients and families during end-of-life care, where she often benefits from hearing their stories.

“I have the opportunity to hear the stories of their life, the happy moments, proud moments of their children and grandchildren, the regrets, and most importantly, I am learning from the patients even when it is end-of-life,” says Day Chief. “I am gifted with their knowledge.”

As an Indigenous liaison, Day Chief provides resources, guidance, support and most importantly, comfort. Sitting at the bedside of a patient simply to chat and share stories, she lets them know they aren’t alone.

“I try to spend time with her throughout the day, just talking with her, getting her to talk about her mom and her grandparents, just get her laughing,” says Day Chief.

“I hope I’m doing good for them, to the best of my ability.”