Author Archives: Blaire Russell
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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.
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Lethbridge Wellness Shelter & Stabilization Unit 3rd Annual Christmas Dinner for Shelter Guests
Comments Off on Lethbridge Wellness Shelter & Stabilization Unit 3rd Annual Christmas Dinner for Shelter GuestsOn December 16, 2025, the Blood Tribe Department of Health and the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter & Stabilization Unit (LWSSU) came together to share warmth, food, and kindness with our shelter guests.
This dinner is more than a meal, it is a connection with our community members. It is a reminder that no one should feel alone during the holiday season, and that compassion is one of the greatest gifts we can offer one another.
To our LWSSU guests, staff, volunteers, and supporters: thank you for creating a space filled with laughter, full plates, special gifts, and good memories. Your presence made the day meaningful and hopeful.
The Blood Tribe Department of Health wishes everyone wellness and safety this Christmas season.
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Christmas & Diabetes: Tips to Keep Your Blood Sugar Merry and Bright!
Comments Off on Christmas & Diabetes: Tips to Keep Your Blood Sugar Merry and Bright!Levern Wound Care Program
Managing diabetes through the holidays can be difficult.
See our tips and tricks to keep a stable Blood Sugar this Christmas:
- Fill your plate with vegetables first
- Monitor portion sizes and serve your self, choose small portions or starchy foods
- Limit the amount of processed meat (pigs in a blanket, ham, pattes and cured meats)
- Pair dessert with a protein
- Hydrate yourself with water
- Stay active! Physical activity helps to lower blood sugar levels
- Monitor your sugar regularly.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Levern Wound Care Program
Amanda Sowiak RN, BN NSWOC
403-737-8610 ex. 8771 | Fax: 403-737-2352
amanda.s@btdh.ca
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Blood Tribe Department of Health Golf Tournament Raises over $12,000 toward Kainai Continuing Care
Comments Off on Blood Tribe Department of Health Golf Tournament Raises over $12,000 toward Kainai Continuing CareA heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors, participants, and volunteers who made the Blood Tribe Department of Health Golf Tournament a success! Together we raised $12,822 toward enhancing Elder care and services at our Continuing Care Centre. Your kindness, respect, and generosity make all the difference—thank you for supporting our community!
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Public Health Advisory: Air Quality Warning
Comments Off on Public Health Advisory: Air Quality Warning
The Government of Canada has issued an Air Quality warning for Southern Alberta.
With the air quality being scored as high risk, the Government of Canada advises;
- Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.
- Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
Unfortunately, during these months, air quality notices do tend to appear more often.
Please keep in mind your symptoms and continue to take actions as they may progress.
Please check the Government of Canada website for updates.
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Diana Weasel Fat Memorial
Comments Off on Diana Weasel Fat Memorial
On behalf of the Blood Tribe Department of Health, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Diana Weasel Fat (Nitaasiipiistaakii – Last Owl Woman).
Diana began her career with Medical Services Branch, Health Canada, on March 23, 1981, as an Administrative Assistant supporting the Nurse in Charge, Rhonda Blood.
In 1995, when Medical Services Branch services were transferred to the Blood Tribe Department of Health, Diana transitioned from the Standoff Health Unit to the Levern Satellite Clinic. There, she served as Secretary, Receptionist, and File Clerk—but her contributions extended far beyond her job title. Diana helped track and locate clients, assisted with Well Baby/Child Clinics, provided transportation support, and offered translation services, including sign language.
She was known for her warm greetings each morning and her dependable support throughout the day. When the Levern Satellite Clinic closed in July 2011, Diana continued her work at the new Community Health building, where she remained a valued team member until her retirement in the fall of 2019.
Diana’s kindness and compassion were at the heart of the Community Health Team and the broader BTDH organization. She will be deeply missed.
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Blood Tribe Fire Restriction Notice
Comments Off on Blood Tribe Fire Restriction NoticeDue to recent rain, Blood Tribe Emergency Services (BTES) has LIFTED the fire restriction for the Blood Reserve. BTES still encourages fire safety and have provided some fire safety tips for Blood Tribe members and visitors for Kainai Powwow & Celebration 2025.
Allowed with Caution
The following activities are permitted with caution:
- Sweats or other cultural events/ceremonies (call the Fire Hall before fire starts)
- Gas or propane-powered cooking appliances (e.g., BBQs, camp stoves)
- Campfires in proper/designated fire pits (including propane fire pits)
- Smoking in designated areas
Fire Safety tips
- Never leave fires or cooking unattended
- Keep stovetops clear of combustible items.
- Store lighters and matches out of reach of children.
- Know where BTES are set up at the Kainai Powwow & Rodeo grounds.
- Know your quadrant colour and number (signs are posted on powwow grounds).
For more information or to notify the Fire Hall about an upcoming ceremonial event, please call 403-737-2102. In the event of an emergency or fire, call 9-1-1 immediately!
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Kainai Summer Wellness Challenge
Comments Off on Kainai Summer Wellness ChallengeWalk To Edmonton 8-Week Challenge
The Goal: Walk 500km – the distance from Kainai Nation to Edmonton
The Breakdown: 715,000 Steps (11,400 daily)
Start Date: Monday, July 7, 2025
End Date: Friday, Aug 29, 2025
All ages and fitness levels welcome
Register below by July 4, 2025
TRACK YOUR STEPS
• Use a personal step counter, such as a smart watch
• Download the STEPS app on your phone
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/stepsapp-pedometer/id1037595083
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stepsappgmbh.stepsapp&hl=en
• Pick up a pedometer from Community Health
Want to boost your fitness and earn extra steps to your weekly total?
Join us for our weekly MOVEMENT MOTIVATION activities to earn an additional 5000 steps for the week.
Each week we’ll be hosting additional activities (please see below)
Participation counts towards to your total weekly steps
*non-challenge participants are also welcome
Week 1 – Intro to Fitness
Kick off the challenge and get your body moving! Focus on movement, form and proper stretching to warm up and cool down from activity.
Week 2 – Nutrition Basics
Balanced eating plays an important part in achieving wellness. Dietitians will provide guidance to fuel your body for exercise and wellness. Online Zoom Class
Week 3 – HIIT/Cardio Circuit
Time to get your heart rate up! Circuit activities alternate between high energy and recovery to help build strength and heart health.
Week 4 – Nutrition Plus
This week we’re going to dig a little deeper into nutrition! If you’re still working on the basics, that’s great! Come and ask questions from the BTDH dietitians. Online Zoom Class
Week 5 -Meditation
We’re half way there! Congratulations!
Slowing things down this week with a calming meditation session. Use this practice to quiet your mind and feel connected to your body.
Week 6 -Strength Circuit
You don’t need a gym to build strength and challenge your muscles. Focus on form and movement using minimal equipment or body weight exercises.
Week 7 – Outdoor Fun
Being active doesn’t always mean hitting the gym. Get outside and enjoy moving. Activity TBD.
Badminton, ring toss.
Week 8 – Beach Volleyball
You made it!! Celebrate the end of the Wellness Challenge with a fun game of volleyball!
