AHS & Horse Lake First Nation working together

Goal to improve Indigenous healthcare experience at Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital

Story & photos by Logan Clow

BEAVERLODGE — Representatives from Horse Lake First Nation and Alberta Health Services (AHS) have kicked off work to improve the Indigenous healthcare experience at the Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital.

Horse Lake First Nation council and community members, as well as AHS leaders and community representatives attended an event at the Beaverlodge Community Centre in October to acknowledge the work. A smudging, opening prayer, creation story and honour song were offered.

“We look forward to working together with AHS to improve the patient experience for Indigenous peoples at the Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital. This work will be done in the spirit of friendship and collaboration,” says Ramona Horseman, Chief, Horse Lake First Nation, and Deputy Grand Chief of Treaty 8.

Earlier this year, Western Cree Tribal Council provided AHS with 14 recommendations to ensure Horse Lake First Nation members are provided culturally safe accessible care. These recommendations include staff training and education around traditional health approaches and medicine, improving patient relations, and introducing an Indigenous Liaison position to the facility.

“Through continued open dialogue, mutual respect, collaboration and shared knowledge, we can forge a path forward together to improve the healthcare experience here in Beaverlodge,” says Patricia Horseman, Health Director, Horse Lake First Nation. “I look forward to continuing this work.”

Sandra Herritt, Senior Operating Officer, Areas 1-4, AHS North Zone, shared AHS’ commitment to improving the Indigenous healthcare experience at the hospital.

“We share in the goal to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment at the Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital, where all patients and families can feel safe and cared for,” she says.

“It is our commitment to improve the health outcomes and health experiences of Indigenous peoples, deliver culturally safe health services to Indigenous peoples; and build, nurture and sustain long-term relationships with Indigenous peoples, communities and partners. This is a commitment we do not take lightly and one we hold in high regard.”

AHS leadership re-emphasized the organization’s commitment towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and strengthening vital relationships between the hospital and the community.

During the event, AHS leadership also shared that one of the recommendations has already been completed. AHS recently partnered with Horse Lake First Nation to recruit Michelle Desjarlais, a new Indigenous Wellness Coordinator, to the Beaverlodge hospital. Desjarlais supports Indigenous patients throughout their care journey.

“Michelle brings a consideration and opportunity for holistic health services to be offered to Indigenous peoples at the hospital,” says Amy Benson, Site Manager. “She spends time with any patient who wants, or needs, to connect with her. We’re so happy to have her.”

AHS and Horse Lake First Nation leadership are continuing to meet regularly to ensure the delivery of safe, accessible care and services. AHS leadership also talked about the ongoing local and provincial work to improve the health system for Indigenous peoples.

These efforts include:

• The AHS North Zone was the first zone to launch the Indigenous Support Line in spring 2022. This dedicated support line — which is available at 1-844-944-4744 from noon to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday — helps Indigenous peoples better navigate the health system and access culturally appropriate care.
• The AHS North Zone Population Public and Indigenous Health program was restructured in summer 2022 to create two programs: North Zone Indigenous Health and North Zone Population Public Health. This restructuring created the opportunity to allocate resources more effectively and demonstrates AHS’ commitment to a very specific focus on Indigenous Health.
• Working with the Metis Settlements of Alberta to enhance primary care access and services in the eight Settlements.
• AHS launching the Patient Access to Indigenous Ceremony policy this past summer.
• AHS Translation Services now offering services in 23 Indigenous languages for patients and healthcare providers.

“I recognize we’re at the beginning of this journey to improve Indigenous health care at the Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital and across the province — and there is much listening, learning, and work to be done,” says Stacy Greening, Chief Zone Officer, AHS North Zone. “I’m confident in saying it is work we want to do, we are proud to do, and we are committed to do.”

The event concluded with a closing prayer and smudging of the Alberta, Horse Lake First Nation and Treaty No. 8 flags. These flags will be flown at the Beaverlodge hospital.

Greening adds: “It’s my hope that when any person, from Horse Lake or beyond, arrives at the hospital and sees the flags flying, they’ll know that the hospital is a safe, inclusive environment where their culture will be honoured and their care delivered in an appropriate manner.”

AHS will continue to work with all Indigenous communities and partners to ensure an inclusive healthcare system that’s welcoming and respectful of all cultures, traditions and beliefs. This work will be guided by collaboration, communication, listening, reconciliACTION, continued staff training and education, and the Indigenous Health Commitments: A Roadmap to Wellness.

For more information about Indigenous Health within AHS, see our website.