Category Archive: Uncategorized

Community Notice: Updates to Medical Transportation and NIHB Services

Please 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. 

BTDH Celebrates Our Amazing Nurses During National Nurses Week

The 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.

BTDH Welcomes Registered Psychologist Wilma Spear Chief

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.

KDP Hosts Annual Diabetes Walk/Run

The 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.

Wellness Program Hosts MMIP Red Dress Day Honor Walk

The 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/

BTDH Celebrates Community Wellness Events Supporting Vulnerable Populations

The 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.

Blood Tribe Opens the First Indigenous Recovery Community in Alberta

Dog Safety for Community members and staff

Dogs are part of many families in our community, offering companionship and protection. However, even friendly dogs can become protective or nervous around unfamiliar visitors, leading to potential safety concerns for healthcare staff, clients, and community members.

For Clients With Dogs At Home:

If you have an appointment with a Home Care Nurse, Community Health Representative, or another BTDH service provider, please ensure your dog is secured in a separate room or fenced area before their arrival. Let staff know if you have a dog ahead of time, especially if your pet is anxious or protective, and if your dog must be present, ensure they are always on a leash and under control

For Community Members Accessing BTDH Facilities

If you notice a stray or aggressive dog near a BTDH location, inform staff so the appropriate action can be taken. Resist the urge to give treats and/or food to dogs, no matter how friendly the animal may seem. 

Avoid approaching a dog that is sleeping, barking, snarling, eating, or caring for puppies. If the dog feels vulnerable, it may fight to protect its territory. Don’t run past a dog, as it will naturally want to chase and catch you.

BTDH Newsletter

Wellness Program MMIP and Pink Shirt Day Event

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.