Author Archives: BTDH Communications

Kainai Powwow & Celebration

The Annual Kainai Powwow & Celebration is our premier social gathering as a Nation. This weekend will be filled with connection through dance, singing, sporting events and community gatherings. We gathered important information for Blood Tribe Members to stay safe and healthy during the festivities.

Zone Mapping

Blood Tribe Emergency Services has implemented a zone mapping system for this year’s event. This system will make it easier for participants, vendors, and emergency personnel to pinpoint exact locations, enhancing safety, efficiency, and overall experience of the celebration.

Blood Tribe Fire Restriction Notice

Due to high temperatures, dry conditions, and an increased risk of wildfire, a Fire Restriction Notice is now in effect for the Blood Reserve. Community safety is our top priority, and we are asking all Nation members and residents to follow the guidelines below.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are not allowed under current fire restrictions:

• Burning of bush, grass, debris, or garbage
• Fireworks
• Use of open flames

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

We urge all community members to be vigilant and respectful of these restrictions. Everyone plays a role in preventing wildfires and keeping our community safe. These precautions are in place because of the increased risk of wildfire caused by current weather conditions. We must act responsibly to protect our homes, lands, and people.

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

BTDH Announces White Calf Shelter closure

Measles Exposure at St. Francis Junior High School and General Measles Information

June 3, 2025
To: Blood Tribe Department of Health

Subject: Measles Exposure at St. Francis Junior High School and General Measles Information

Current Status:

• We were made aware of a measles exposure at St. Francis Junior High School in Lethbridge on Friday, May 23, Monday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
• At this time, there are no confirmed measles cases in Blood Tribe.
• Overall, measles risk is widespread throughout southern Alberta.

Key Messaging:

• Stay home if you are symptomatic (fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, rash) and call the Blood Tribe Department of Health Community Health line (403-737-3933) or the Alberta Measles Hotline (1-844-944-3434) before seeking medical care.
• Measles is airborne and very contagious. Measles is communicable for up to three weeks. Those who attended this school at any point on May 23, 26 or 27 should monitor for symptoms until end of day Tuesday, June 17.
• If you have questions about measles or wish to review your vaccine history, you can call the Blood Tribe Department of Health Community Health line (403-737-3933), or the new Alberta Measles Hotline (1-844-944-3434).
• Vaccination is your best protection against measles. People born in 1970 or later should have two doses of measles vaccine.
• At this time, those who live, work or travel to South Zone are also currently eligible for additional immunizations:
  • Infants who are 6 months up to and including 11 months of age are recommended to receive an early dose of vaccine. However, they should still receive their routine two doses after they reach one year of age.
  • If you were born before 1970 and have not been immunized, talk to your healthcare provider about possibly receiving a single booster dose of measles vaccine.

What can you do to stay healthy?

• Children and adults are the most protected when they are up-to-date on their immunizations.
• Stay home when sick, and use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes. Put used tissues into the garbage and clean hands. If tissues are unavailable, coughing or sneezing into your elbow can reduce spread of germs.
• Clean hands often. Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Masks can be worn as a short-term option to help cover coughs and reduce transmission, but people who are sick should stay home to prevent spreading sickness to others.

Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Sarin
Senior Medical Officer of Health
Indigenous Services Canada, Alberta Region

May is mental health awareness month

Mental Health Awareness Month takes place across Canada every May. It’s a time to learn about mental health, understand how mental illnesses affect people in different ways, and explore how we can reduce stigma.

Mental Health Affects Us All

One in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness each year. The economic cost exceeds $50 billion annually, but the personal impact is even greater. Unfortunately, many people either don’t seek help or can’t access the services and supports they need to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

What Is Mental Illness?

Mental illnesses are medical conditions that can affect many different aspects of a person’s life, including:

• Thought processes
• Emotions
• Moods
• Behaviours
• Sense of self
• Ability to connect with others
• Capacity to cope with stress

There are many types of mental illness. Some common examples include:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Mental Illness Looks Different for Everyone

People experience mental health challenges in different ways. Some may have episodes of illness with periods of recovery in between, while others may experience ongoing challenges. Mental illness can be triggered by life events, such as the loss of a loved one or job, but it can also arise without a specific cause. Some people may experience a single episode of depression, while others may have recurring symptoms throughout their lives.

The Importance of Dialogue

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to encourage open and respectful conversations about mental illness. These discussions help reduce stigma, answer questions, and increase public understanding. Most importantly, they remind us that people living with mental illness can—and do—lead full, meaningful lives. With the right supports, individuals can thrive in their families, workplaces, and communities.

2025 BTDH By-Election Results: William (Billy) Wadsworth Elected as Class “A” Director

The Blood Tribe Department of Health is pleased to announce the official results of the 2025 By-Election for the Class “A” Director position.

The by-election was held on Friday, May 2, 2025, with polling stations located at the Kainai Continuing Care Centre (Great Hall) in Standoff and the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society in Lethbridge.

We congratulate William (Billy) Wadsworth, who received the highest number of votes and has been elected as the new Class “A” Director.

Election Results:

• William (Billy) Wadsworth – 58 votes
• Constance Day Chief – 49 votes
• Martin Heavy Head – 48 votes
• Hank Shade – 32 votes

Total ballots cast: 187

• Standoff (BTDH Great Hall): 147
• Lethbridge (Sik-Ooh-Kotoki): 40

We extend our thanks to all candidates for their participation and to community members who came out to vote.

For further information, please contact Chief Electoral Officer Aloyuisius Black Water at (587) 220-7474 or by email at a.blackwater09@gmail.com.

Update on measles vaccine eligibility

There has been an increase in measles cases across Alberta, including in zones that many of our community members travel to for work, school, sports, and family visits.

Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease. The best way to protect yourself, your family, and our community is to ensure your vaccines are up to date — especially if you are travelling to affected areas.

Who can get the measles vaccine?

Next Community Immunization Clinic

Blood Tribe Department of Health will be holding a Community Immunization Clinic:
Friday, April 11 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Call Community Health at 403-737-3933 to check your vaccine status or to book an appointment. Protect yourself and those around you — stay up to date with your vaccines.

Measles symptoms include:

• a fever
• a cough
• a runny nose
• red eyes
• a blotchy, red rash that appears 3 to 7 days after the fever starts. In darker skin colours, the redness may be harder to see or may appear purple or darker than surrounding skin. It typically begins behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and to the arms and legs.

Measles can be dangerous because:

• 1 in 10 people with measles will get middle ear or lung infections
• 1 in 1,000 people with measles will get encephalitis (swelling of the brain), which can lead to seizures, deafness, or brain damage
• 1 to 3 of every 1,000 people with measles will die

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By-Election Notice: (1) – CLASS “A” DIRECTOR

The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) will be holding a by-election for one Class “A” Director on:

Friday, May 2, 2025
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Polling Stations:

• Blood Tribe Department of Health, Kainai Continuing Care Centre (Great Hall), Standoff, AB
• Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society, 1709 2 Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB

Nominees for Class “A” Director (in alphabetical order):

• Constance Day Chief
• Martin Heavy Head
• Hank Shade
• William (Billy) Wadsworth

Following the ballot count, the nominee with the highest number of votes will be publicly declared, with results posted at the Blood Tribe Department of Health and the Shot Both Sides Building. The elected candidate must also meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the BTDH By-Laws before being ratified by the Board as a Class “A” Director.

For more information, contact:
Chief Electoral Officer – Aloyuisius Black Water
a.blackwater09@gmail.com | (587) 220-7474

Application for food vendors

We know that many parents and families are fundraising for Provincials and Treaties, and we want to support them in doing so safely. If you’re selling food as part of your fundraising efforts, it’s important to follow proper food handling guidelines to keep everyone safe.

Key Requirements for Temporary Food Vendors:

Event organizers must notify Environmental Public Health Services at least two weeks in advance. Luckily, our Environmental Health Officer will ensure that permits are processed in a timely manner when they are submitted.

Vendors must have proper flooring, handwashing stations, and waste disposal systems. Perishable food must be stored below 4°C or above 60°C, and home-prepared foods or wild game are not allowed. Food contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized regularly, and food handlers should practice good hygiene.

For more details, contact Environmental Public Health Services at:

Edmonton Office: (780) 495-2712
Calgary Office: (403) 292-6154

You can download the food sanitation requirements and application for setting up a food vendor below:

Honouring Life Art Media Contest

Hosted by the BTDH Wellness Program

The Honouring Life Art Media Contest invites young artists to express what culture means to them through creative work.

Theme:

“What does connecting to our culture mean to you?”

Contest Details:

All art mediums are accepted, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, third, and fourth place in each age category:

• Ages 3-8
• Ages 9-13
• Ages 14-18

The deadline to submit artwork is April 11, 2025.

This contest is part of the Honouring Life Indigenous Wellness Core, supporting youth in creative self-expression while strengthening cultural connections.

For more details or to submit artwork, contact the Wellness Program at 403-737-3883.