Category Archive: Uncategorized
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BTDH Newsletter: Summer 2026
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Kainai Powwow & Celebration
Comments Off on 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.
The zone-based map system will help reduce delays and confusion for our first responders and security. The powwow grounds are divided into four main zones, each marked with a different colour. Each zone is also split into smaller numbered sections called quadrants. Colour-coded flags will be placed on the arbour and light poles, and laminated signs showing the zone and quadrant will be posted throughout the grounds and along access routes.
Blood Tribe Emergency Services Location
Blood Tribe Emergency Services and Security can be found at the First Aid Trailer located around the arbor in ZONE: RED 1.
EMS & Fire Apparatus will be parked in the public parking at the exit.For the duration of Kainai Powwow & Celebration the Firehall will be periodically unstaffed. All inquiries and non-emergency assistance can be directed to Fire and EMS staff at the Powwow grounds.
Additional Support Locations:
- Blood Tribe Police General Inquiry will be located in ZONE: YELLOW 3.
The rodeo grounds will be divided into clearly marked zones that cover the entire camping and livestock areas. Key spots like the grandstands, rodeo arena, chutes, and livestock pens will also be clearly labeled to make it easier to find your way around and improve coordination. Laminated signs showing each zone will be posted throughout the grounds so everyone can quickly identify locations and communicate more easily.
EMS will be located outside the rodeo arena, adjacent to the grandstands during all rodeo events.
Opioids include both prescription medications (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine) and illegal drugs (like heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl). They can be highly addictive and have a high risk of overdose.
What to do in an overdose emergency
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- Call 911.
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- Roll them into the recovery position if they are passed out. This prevents more problems like choking on vomit or their tongue.
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- If the person is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth (rescue breathing). Make sure there is nothing in their mouth. Tilt their head back and give them a breath every five seconds.
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- Use the naloxone kit if you have one. For directions on how to administer naloxone, download the PDF.
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- Stay with them until help comes. If you can’t stay, write down on a piece of paper what drugs the person took, and leave it with them so they can get the right help.
Prevent an Opioid Poisoning
Don’t use alone: You can’t save yourself during an overdose, but we can save each other. Please don’t use drugs while alone, and don’t let those around you use while alone either.
Start low and go slow: Do a small test dose to see if you can handle the drug. Infrequent use can lower your tolerance and make you more sensitive to drugs
Don’t mix drugs: Mixing prescription or other street drugs, alcohol, cannabis can compound overdose symptoms
Carry a naloxone kit: Keep naloxone on hand if you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose.
Please take notice:
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Avoid swimming or wading in the Belly River
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Report any sightings of discarded needles or concerning conditions
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For needle-stick injuries, contact the 24-hour response line immediately at 780-218-9929
The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) is urging all community members and visitors to exercise extreme caution when using the Belly River in the lower Standoff area due to ongoing public health and safety concerns.
With warm weather and the upcoming Kainai Powwow & Celebration, more people may be using the Belly River for recreation. However, current conditions pose a direct threat to both public health and environmental safety.
BTDH teams and outreach partners have identified the following serious risks:
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- An encampment located near the riverbank with insufficient sanitation, resulting in human waste near the water
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- The potential presence of discarded needles (sharps) in the surrounding area and water
Public health and outreach teams are working to:
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- Assess and address immediate public health hazards
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- Increase sharps collection and safe disposal efforts
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- Explore temporary sanitation solutions
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- Coordinate a long-term, community-led response to ensure safety
Important reminders
Check on others: Ensure family members, neighbours, and Elders are coping well during extreme heat conditions.
Never leave children or pets in vehicles: Temperatures inside a car can rise quickly and become life-threatening within minutes.
It is important to take extreme heat seriously and take steps to protect yourself and those around you. Stay informed by checking local weather alerts and follow any guidance from public health or emergency management services.
Severe Weather
The Summer weather forecast can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for a severe weather event this weekend.
Thunderstorms have the potential to become severe bringing large hail, strong winds and heavy rain. Remember some severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Be prepared for severe weather.
If threatening weather approaches, take cover in a basement or interior room. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail.
When thunder roars, go indoors!
Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Large hail can cause significant damage and injury.
Anyone engaging in unprotected sex outside a mutually monogamous relationship is at risk of syphilis infection and other STIs.
Testing is available at Community Health, Standoff and Lavern Clinics. For STBBI testing, please contact 403-737-3933. All services and supplies are confidential and free of charge.
Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI)
The Blood Tribe Department of Health is here to support you. STBBIs like HIV, Hepatitis C, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can affect anyone—regardless of age or lifestyle. We’re offering free, judgment-free information and supplies to help keep our community safe and informed.
You can prevent getting an STI by:
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Talking with your partner about using protection and about each other’s history of STIs, before sexual activity.
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Learning how to use protection correctly. Getting tested regularly for STIs, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
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Getting immunized against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).
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In Loving Memory of Okan Gordon Troy Manyfingers
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On behalf of the Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH), we mourn the loss of our beloved colleague, friend, and community pillar, Okan Gordon Troy Manyfingers.
Troy joined the BTDH Wellness Program in 2019 as a Client Case Coordinator. Over the years, his work became an integral part of our organization’s wellness initiatives. Troy was a central figure in the Men’s Support Group and the Day Treatment Program, providing a safe, encouraging space for individuals navigating their recovery.
Committed to saving lives and serving others, he completed his Indigenous Addictions Services Certificate with the Nechi Institute. He actively participated in organization-wide education, including Human Trafficking Awareness Training with the Calgary Police Services, and Overdose and Naloxone Education training.
Through the Wellness Program, Troy spearheaded and organized numerous fun runs for the reserve, bringing community members together in the spirit of health, connection, and joy.
Troy led by powerful personal example. An accomplished Ironman athlete, he believed that physical activity and movement were powerful forms of medicine, and he used his wellness journey to inspire countless others to take up running and begin their own journeys toward recovery.
Dr. Terri-Lynn Fox, former Director of the Wellness Program, shared these heartfelt words reflecting on Troy’s leadership:
“I remember Troy’s motivation, initiative, and dedication to the Fun Runs hosted by the Wellness Program. He believed that movement was healing. Community was healing. Encouraging one another was healing. He didn’t simply organize the runs—he participated alongside everyone who chose to join. Troy didn’t just believe those values; he lived them.
He carried his commitment to wellness through his athleticism, his humor, and his unwavering belief in people. Perhaps Troy’s greatest legacy was not the races he completed or the Fun Runs he organized, but the courage he awakened in others to begin their own journey toward healing.”
Troy’s contributions to the Blood Tribe Department of Health have left an everlasting mark on our team and the entire Blood Tribe community. We are grateful for every mile he ran with us, every story he shared, and every word of encouragement he gave.
Thank you, Troy.
Your race on this earth is complete, but your footsteps continue to guide us.
Please join us in keeping Troy’s loved ones in your prayers. He will be deeply missed by our entire organization.
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Community Health Safety Tips For Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
Comments Off on Community Health Safety Tips For Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)Hantavirus is rare but potentially deadly. Knowing how to prevent exposure can save your life. Before you start cleaning your shed, barn or house this season, there are some safety precautions you should take to protect yourself against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS is a severe, and sometimes fatal, respiratory disease contracted from rodents.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses naturally carried by some rodents. In Canada, they can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a rare but serious and potential fatal lung disease.
High-risk activities include:
- Sweeping or disturbing rodent droppings, urine, or nests
- Cleaning a shed, cabin, or outbuilding closed for a long period
- Working in barns or areas where mice may live
Risk in Alberta
The species of hantavirus found in Alberta is not the same species as the Andes hantavirus found on the cruise ship MV Hondius. Unlike the Andes strain, the strain found in Alberta does not spread from person to person.
To reduce the risk of infection from all types of hantavirus, please stay away from rodents, and safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodents.
- Common house mice are not known to carry or spread hantavirus
- You cannot tell if a mouse is infected by looking at it, so treat all wild mice as a potential risk
- Dogs and cats cannot be infected and cannot spread HPS to people
How do people get infected?
HPS is contracted by breathing in the virus when infected rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials are disturbed. Enclosed spaces pose the highest risk. You can also get infected by:
- Touching contaminated materials and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- In very rare cases, from a mouse bite
Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
- Fever
- Severe muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Coughing or wheezing
- Sneezing
- Possible headache, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
After a few days of flu-like symptoms, HPS can rapidly progress to:
- Sudden, severe difficulty breathing
- Fluid in the lungs.
Note: HPS does NOT typically cause a runny nose, sore throat, or rash.
Go to the Emergency Room immediately if you have trouble breathing after potential rodent exposure.Keep Rodents Out
- Seal all rodent-sized holes and gaps in buildings
- Keep yards tidy and clear of debris
- Store firewood away from structures
- Use mousetraps
- Store food, water, and garbage in tightly sealed containers
Before You Clean
- Open doors and windows to air out the space
- Leave the area for at least 30 minutes
- Put on rubber gloves
- Wear a N95 mask or equivalent
- Do NOT sweep or vacuum droppings as this will spread the virus
Safe Cleaning Steps
- Spray droppings with disinfectant or bleach solution (1 part bleach: 9 parts water)
- Let soak for 10 minutes
- Wipe with paper towels or a mop then place droppings in a sealed bag
- Wash gloves in disinfectant and hot soapy water before removing
- Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning
- Clean any mops with disinfectant and hot soapy water
Contact BTDH Community Health 403-737-3933 / Source: Public Health Agency of Canada
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Blood Tribe Emergency Services Wildfire Mitigation Field Work
Comments Off on Blood Tribe Emergency Services Wildfire Mitigation Field WorkBlood Tribe Emergency Services Wildfire Mitigation Field Work
JUNE 8 – AUGUST 28, 2026Blood Tribe Emergency Services will continue the Wildfire Mitigation Program this summer to reduce vegetation and fuels in fire-prone community areas.
In partnership with BTEST, students have been employed to complete field work around critical infrastructure throughout the community.
Field work will include cutting grass/brush, laying gravel, & moving flammable items such as propane tanks, firewood and other materials away from buildings and structures.
This project aims to slow fire spread, mitigate wildfire risk, and reduce future impacts from potential wildfires.
For more information, please contact:
Leonard Chief Moon – Blood Tribe Emergency Services
Office: 403-308-4195 Email: leonard.cm@btdh.ca
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AHS and BTDH Kick-Off 2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month Opening Ceremonies
Comments Off on AHS and BTDH Kick-Off 2026 National Indigenous Peoples Month Opening CeremoniesThe Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) proudly partnered with Alberta Health Services (AHS) Southwest Corridor to kick off the National Indigenous Peoples Month Opening Ceremonies held at the Multi-Purpose Building in Standoff, AB on June 2, 2026.
National Indigenous Peoples Month is recognized throughout June, with National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated annually on June 21. The month provides an opportunity to honour and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, contributions, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.
This year’s theme, “Embracing Cultural Safety,” highlights Alberta Health Services commitment to working alongside Indigenous partners, health teams, and communities to improve health outcomes and promote culturally safe care for Indigenous peoples across Alberta.
“Promoting cultural safety in all health interactions and systems is a great way to show our Indigenous patients that their ways are still respected,” BTDH CEO Kash Shade stated.
The Blood Tribe Department of Health is proud to partner with Alberta Health Services to provide health care services to improve health outcomes to the Blood Tribe community and Indigenous peoples across the region.
We would like to thank AHS partners and guest speakers Dr. Sayeh Zielke, Les Fisher, Paul Weiss, Toby Schneider, Dr. Kim Simmonds, Wayne LaBonte, Colin Zieber, and our many dignitaries and visitors that attended the opening ceremonies.
To learn more about Alberta Health Services’ National Indigenous Peoples Month events and initiatives, visit together4health.albertahealthservices.ca.
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Community Notice: Updates to Medical Transportation and NIHB Services
Comments Off on Community Notice: Updates to Medical Transportation and NIHB ServicesPlease be advised of the following important changes to the Medical Transportation program and Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) services. We ask all community members to review this information carefully.
Off-Reserve Clients: New Process for Medical Transportation
Off-reserve clients are now required to deal directly with the Edmonton Referral Unit for all medical transportation needs. This includes:
- Booking transportation to medical appointments
- Requesting travel reimbursements
- All transportation-related inquiries
Please contact the Edmonton Referral Unit directly for any medical transportation requests or reimbursements going forward. The number to the Edmonton Referral Unit is 1-800-514-7106.
Reimbursement Forms Available Online and at BTDH Medical Transportation
Reimbursement forms can now be submitted online for faster processing. Here is what you need to know:
- Reimbursement forms are available online please visit the NIHB website
- Physical (paper) reimbursement forms remain available through the Medical Transportation office for those who need them.
Submit Receipts for Reimbursement Online
Express Scripts Canada delivers Health Information and Claims Processing Services on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada’s NIHB Program. Community members using Express Scripts are encouraged to begin submitting their receipts for reimbursement through the online portal.
A step-by-step instructional video on how to submit reimbursements online can be found by visiting Express Scripts Canada Website.
Questions or need assistance?
All other NIHB requests and information including dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling can call 1-800-232-7301. Have your full name, date of birth, and 10-digit treaty number ready when calling for services.
Please contact our Medical Transportation office if you have questions or concerns please call 403-737-2604 or visit our website: www.btdh.ca.
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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.
