Author Archives: Blaire Russell
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BTDH Celebrates Our Amazing Nurses During National Nurses Week
Comments Off on BTDH Celebrates Our Amazing Nurses During National Nurses WeekThe Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) proudly recognizes and celebrates the dedicated nurses who care for our community every day. Your kindness, patience, and dedication make a lasting difference for the lives of so many across the Kainai Nation.
BTDH currently has over 40 Registered Nurses, 14 Licensed Practical Nurses, 1 Clinical Nurse Educator, 3 Nurse Managers, 2 Directors, and 1 CEO, who all have expertise experience in the nursing field. Bonnie Weasel Moccasin is our longest serving Nurse Manager with 34 years and 7 months; Registered Nurses Sandra Scout (20 Years), Shauna Scout (19 years); Director Lori Healy (28 years) and Sandra Shade (26 years).
Our nurses play a vital role in promoting health and wellness for our Nation. Through their knowledge, commitment, and kindness, they help our community members and families navigate their health and wellness with dignity and care.
BTDH extends our heartfelt gratitude to all nurses for the important work you do and for the positive impact you make for our community.
We apologize if we may have missed any photos of our nurses in this post.
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BTDH Welcomes Registered Psychologist Wilma Spear Chief
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The Blood Tribe Department of Health is pleased to welcome Ookakii – Wilma Spear Chief, Registered Psychologist, to our team as a Mental Health Counsellor at the Standoff Clinic.
Ookaki (Sleeping Woman) is a proud Kainaikii – Blood Tribe woman with more than 35 years of experience in mental health and addictions. Raised on the Blood Reserve and in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Wilma has dedicated her career to supporting Indigenous communities through compassionate, culturally informed care.
Wilma earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge in 1977 and later pursued a master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in California in 1985. She became a Registered Psychologist in 1988 and has over 35 years of experience in mental health and addiction, including roles with Alberta Health Services and various First Nations communities, such as the Blood Tribe, Siksika, and Piikani Nations.
In addition to her clinical work, Wilma has contributed to community initiatives and provided research both provincially and federally on mental health delivery for First Nations. She also co-authored “Breaking The Silence” released in 1994 by the Assembly of First Nations, one of the first quantitative studies on the impacts of the Indian Residential School system interviewing former students.
From 2018–2022, Wilma served on a joint task group with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action within the profession of psychology. The contributions resulting from this work are CAP establishing a Practice Standard Guideline to inform the practice with Indigenous peoples; CAP adding new content to the Law and Ethics for the Alberta Psychology Exam; and finally, adding a requirement of annual continued competence training on Indigenous issues.
Outside of her professional work, Wilma enjoys hiking, quilting, and traveling. She and her husband have two children, and three grandchildren.
Wilma is available for in-person appointments on Wednesdays at the Standoff Clinic.
To book an appointment, please call 403-737-8420.
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KDP Hosts Annual Diabetes Walk/Run
Comments Off on KDP Hosts Annual Diabetes Walk/RunThe Kainai Diabetes Program (KDP) hosted its annual Kainai Diabetes Walk/Run today at Red Crow Park in Standoff, AB. Over 500 attendees participated, including students from the Kainai Board of Education, Piikani Board of Education, Westwinds School Division, Kainai Nation and surrounding community members, and supporters of active living.
First launched in 2014, the annual KDP Diabetes Walk/Run celebrates the importance of physical activity with those living with diabetes and to show our community that diabetes does not prevent individuals from leading healthy, active lives. Over the years, the event has continued to grow, bringing communities together in a positive and supportive environment while promoting health and wellness.
The KDP team would like to thank all those who have collaborated and supported this year’s event including Blood Tribe Department of Health staff, Blood Tribe Police Service, and Blood Tribe Emergency Services. Special thanks to our sponsors: Lethbridge Bulls, Lethbridge Fitness Club, Bath & Body Works, Mountain Warehouse, and the Blackfoot Grill. The team also recognizes Keira Scout for designing this year’s KDP Walk/Run t-shirt and offers special recognition to Barbara Williams-Freeman and Leslie Prenoslo who started the annual Walk/Run and for their ongoing support to the Diabetes Program.
The Kainai Diabetes Program and Nutrition Counselling service provides comprehensive care, education, and support to individuals managing diabetes. Whether through dietary advice, lifestyle modifications, or ongoing support, the program aims to enhance the quality of life for those affected by diabetes in the Kainai community. To book an appointment with KDP, please call 403-737-3933 or visit our website at https://www.btdh.ca/health-information/diabetes.
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Wellness Program Hosts MMIP Red Dress Day Honor Walk
Comments Off on Wellness Program Hosts MMIP Red Dress Day Honor WalkThe Wellness Program hosted the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Red Dress Day Honor Walk, starting with a prayer and MMIP song by Sandra Many Feathers to honor those lost to violence and murder. Attendees walked from the Red Crow Park to the White Calf Hall.
Presentations started with the BTDH CEO Kash Shade giving opening remarks, and the event organizer, Gloria Chief Moon, spoke on the causes and disproportionate victimization of Aboriginal women and girls. Dolly Creighton, the Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program (TIHCSP) Community Engagement Worker, presented on the intergenerational legacy of residential schools. Keith Chief Moon, who also works with the TIHCSP, gave insights on the justice side of the ongoing fight to represent the MMIP, and the interaction with the Canadian Government.
The event was closed with an MMIP Song, and community members who need support can contact the BTDH Wellness Program services by calling: 403-737-3883, and visiting: https://www.btdh.ca/program/wellness-program/
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BTDH Celebrates Community Wellness Events Supporting Vulnerable Populations
Comments Off on BTDH Celebrates Community Wellness Events Supporting Vulnerable PopulationsThe Blood Tribe Department of Health recently hosted two successful events focused on advancing community wellness and expanding access to support services.
The Circle of Support: Spring Resource Fair 2026, held on April 23, 2026, brought community members together at the Moses Lake Gym for a day of connection, education, and access to essential health services. Attendees were able to meet with healthcare providers and support workers offering immunizations, diabetes care, sexual health testing, home care support, and more. Presentations from Wilma Spear Chief, Samantha First Charger, and Luke Sander highlighted resilience, Indigenous patient advocacy, trauma-informed care, and practical stress management strategies.
The Department of Health also celebrated the grand opening of the new Programming Space at the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter & Stabilization Unit (LWSSU) on Friday, April 24, 2026. This important expansion enhances programming and support services available to individuals on their healing and recovery journeys, marking another step forward in strengthening community-based wellness resources.
Blood Tribe Department of Health extends sincere thanks to all staff, partners, elders, leadership, presenters, and community members who helped make both events a success. Together, these initiatives reflect a continued commitment to supporting health, healing, and wellness across the community.
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Wellness Program MMIP and Pink Shirt Day Event
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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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Blood Tribe Fire Department Competes in Lethbridge Hockey Tournament
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The Blood Tribe Fire Department proudly participated in the annual Lethbridge Fire Department Hockey Tournament this past weekend, showcasing teamwork, determination, and community spirit both on and off the ice.
Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) and Blood Tribe Emergency Services staff competed in four hard-fought games, finishing second in the round robin. The team secured an exciting 4–3 victory in the semifinal, earning a spot in the championship game. In the final, they faced off against the Medicine Hat Fire Department, ultimately falling 5–3 in a closely contested match Sunday afternoon at Logan Boulet Arena.
Throughout the tournament, the team demonstrated strong performance, recording two wins (5–2 over LFD and 4–3 over the Sharks), one tie (9–9), and one loss in the final.
BTDH and Blood Tribe Emergency Services extend their sincere thanks to all players and supporters who contributed their time, effort, and energy throughout the weekend. Your dedication and teamwork made this a memorable and successful event.
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Blood Tribe Department of Health Welcomes Kash Shade as New Chief Executive Officer
Comments Off on Blood Tribe Department of Health Welcomes Kash Shade as New Chief Executive Officer
The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) proudly announces the appointment of Saakooyinaa Kash Shade RN, BN, MHSM as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately.
Kash is a long-time employee of BTDH and has woven deep institutional knowledge and a forward-looking commitment to health sovereignty. As a seasoned leader, Kash has successfully navigated complex landscapes to champion equitable, culturally grounded care for the Blood Tribe.
Kash began his health career with the Blood Tribe Department of Health in 2012 as a Registered Nurse working within our Home Care program. In 2019, he was appointed as the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program Director and Navigator, overseeing services including Medical Transportation, the Mobile Medical Unit and Clinical Services.
In 2022, he was named Chief Operating Officer where he was instrumental in the organization’s program development, expansion and innovation. Kash played a key role in the establishment of the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit and clinical partnerships aimed at improving the health outcomes and accessibility to health services for Blood Tribe members.
Following the departure of former CEO Derrick Fox, Kash was named interim CEO in September 2025. Kash successfully merged this leadership transition with a strong foundation, a highly engaged team and a clear strategic direction.
A dedicated family man and a champion of First Nations health, Kash is highly decisive and is committed to furthering BTDH’s mission to improve, promote and deliver accredited health services on the Blood Reserve and support Chief and Council in ensuring the protection of treaty health rights.
About the Blood Tribe Department of Health
The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) offers culturally competent, holistic, and accessible health and wellness services. Established in 1984, BTDH provides a range of services and is committed to uplifting the health and well-being of its people through comprehensive and tailored health initiatives.
For information contact:
Kelsey No Runner
Director of Communications
403-361-1704 | communications@btdh.ca
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Kainai Diabetes Program Walk/Run 2026 Artist Callout
Comments Off on Kainai Diabetes Program Walk/Run 2026 Artist CalloutThe 2026 Kainai Diabetes Walk/Run needs a logo!
Help us make this year’s Annual Diabetes Walk/Run unforgettable!
We’re inviting artists and creatives to submit a logo design that captures hope, health, and the Blackfoot culture.
Your design could become the face of our event – featured on shirts, posters, and more – while supporting diabetes awareness.
Submit your logo by: March 15, 2026
Email submissions to kainaidiabetes@btdh.ca
Goodluck to all.
For more information, contact the Kainai Diabetes Program.
403-737-3933
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Notice of Non-Essential Office Closure – February 17, 2026
Comments Off on Notice of Non-Essential Office Closure – February 17, 2026To ensure the safety of our clients, patients and staff, the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc, non-essential services will be closed today, February 17, 2026 at 12:00PM due to deteriorating road conditions and visibility. Regular operations will continue tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Emergency Services, Detox, Wellness Shelters, Long Term Care and Wellness Crisis on call services will continue operations.
Visit btdh.ca/contact for essential services contact information.
