Members of the Blood Tribe and representatives from Alberta Health Services (AHS) came together in the southern Alberta community of Stand Off on June 13 to celebrate their partnership, a first of its kind in the province. AHS is working hand-in-hand with the Blood Tribe Department of Health to both fund and expand their long-term care capacity from 12 to 25 beds at the Kainai Continuing Care Centre.

AHS will continue to support the goals and success of the Blood Tribe Department of Health. This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when AHS works with community partners to ensure better health outcomes and experiences for all Albertans, including Indigenous Peoples and communities.

The event included a powwow and lunch that fed more than 300 members of the community.

Katherine Chubbs, Chief Zone Officer in the South Zone of AHS, says the Kainai Continuing Care Centre enables more members of the Blood Tribe to remain in their community, where they can receive culturally safe care while surrounded by their friends and family, at a time when their care needs are changing.