On Feb. 27, 2026, the Wellness Program hosted a combined Pink Shirt Day and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) event focused on addressing violence, bullying and healing.

The event welcomed 131 attendees and featured an honour dance recognizing loved ones who have been lost. Keynote speaker Marla Medicine Shields shared a personal story about her grandmother, Gloria Bird. She was joined by her sister Selena and her mother Kaily Bird.

Tony Delany served as master of ceremonies. Remarks were also delivered by acting CEO Kash Shade and board member Marcel Weasel Head. Entertainment was provided by Rudz Crew and Baby Flats.

The event aimed to raise awareness of MMIP, promote anti-bullying efforts and support community healing.

Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day is recognized annually across Canada in February. It began in 2007 after a student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. The movement has since grown internationally as a symbol of standing against bullying.

Participants wear pink to promote inclusion, kindness and respect. The day encourages individuals to foster safe and supportive environments in workplaces, schools and communities.

This year’s theme, “Sprinkle Kindness,” highlights compassion, inclusion and generosity. These values align with Kainai teachings, including:

• Kimmapiipitsiini (kindness)
• Ispommtsinni (giving and sharing)
• Aakomimhtaan (love and respect)

The Wellness Program continues to raise awareness of all forms of bullying, including physical, verbal and cyberbullying, while supporting truth and reconciliation efforts.

MMIP Awareness

Across Canada, communities gather annually on Feb. 14 for memorial marches honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). These events provide space for remembrance, ceremony and advocacy, while amplifying Indigenous voices and calls for justice.

In Alberta, trauma-informed health and cultural support programs have expanded this framework to include men and boys, using the broader term Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).

The National Inquiry into MMIWG identified systemic factors contributing to violence against Indigenous Peoples, including colonial policies such as the Indian Act. These systems have contributed to ongoing disparities, including displacement, loss of language and cultural disruption.

Indigenous women continue to experience disproportionately high rates of violence. They are nearly three times more likely to experience assault than non-Indigenous women. Indigenous youth also face significantly higher suicide rates, estimated at four to five times higher than their non-Indigenous peers.

According to the Justice Canada website, Indigenous Peoples are overrepresented in Canada’s criminal justice system as both victims and accused persons. In 2017, the homicide rate for Indigenous women increased by 32 per cent, while rates for Indigenous men have steadily risen since 2014.

Wellness Program Resources

If you or a loved one need help, please contact the Wellness Program at: 403-737-3883 or the After Hours Crisis Line at 403-894-7002. If you need immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1.

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