2021 National Indigenous Peoples Celebrations
Thank you for joining us to celebrate the 2021 National Indigenous Peoples Day. Visit Alberta Health Services' Indigenous Health Program to learn more.
On June 21, Canada will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. 
First celebrated in 1996, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples from across Canada.
This year, AHS Celebrated Resilience through Reconciliation by hosting online events throughout the month of June (see all the events here). Thank you to all who took part in the online events.
We encourage you to continue the celebration by sharing your images and stories of strength and resilience. You can also check out the presentations that were given here.
"My mask is called "In Spirit". I have chosen the base color as navy blue with an infinity symbol and beaded Métis flower designs representing Métis peoples. The tulips represent love for all my relations. Focusing on the beauty of nature and in life creates a positive mindset needed to endure our struggles. The mask is surrounded by colors of the medicine wheel in recognition of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
"This mask is a reminder to return to your spirit, to your culture, your ceremonies, your traditions, your language and your relations to overcome daily challenges. In this way, we may find peace, hope and purpose."
Lisa L'Hirondelle, Métis Cree
Thank you for joining us to celebrate the 2021 National Indigenous Peoples Day. Visit Alberta Health Services' Indigenous Health Program to learn more.
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August Zoom sessions with Elder Dale Awasis
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Events this week: June 28 to June 30
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Here's how we're celebrating this week. Please join us, and see the full events calendar here.
Mon, June 28
9:00 a.m.
Opening Prayer Circle, Teachings and Song
Mondays at 9:00 a.m.Start the week in a good way by joining us for a prayer led by Elder Dale Awasis.
12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Celebrating a year of Walking, Talking and Learning Together in Cancer Care Alberta
Chris Carriere, Project Manager, Cancer Care AlbertaIt has been a whole year since we started this Learning, Talking and Walking Together series. We’ll look back on the many sessions we have had and the growth in Indigenous cancer care over the last year.
1:00 p.m.
to 2:00 p.m.The Indigenous Alberta Healthy Communities Approach:
Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund
Brenda Roland, Indigenous Integration Lead & Indigenous Community Team
Prayer by Elder Thomas Durocher
The ACPLF Indigenous Alberta Healthy Communities Approach is committed to support Alberta Indigenous communities to identify, plan, take action and evaluate priorities for cancer prevention and screening. This Approach focuses on helping to build communities that enable members and residents, through increased access to social and physical supports, to make the healthy choice the easy choice.Tues, June 29
11:00 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m.Update on the New Edmonton Hospital
Tom Alston, Senior Project Director, New Edmonton Hospital12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Anti-Racism at AHS – Update and next steps
Marni Panas, Program Manager, Diversity & InclusionOn behalf of the Anti-Racism Advisory Group, AHS Diversity & Inclusion is proud to share about the journey of developing the AHS Anti-Racism position statement and provide an overview on anticipated next steps.
1:00 p.m.
to 2:00 p.m.Circle of Life: Cancer prevention and support, a Friendship Centre Perspective
Tessa Jourdain, Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA)Circle of Life was a two-year ANFCA initiative in partnership with Sagitawa Friendship Society (Peace River) and the Hinton Friendship Centre. The goal of the Circle of Life was to explore, develop and implement strategies where the cancer journey is self-determined by Indigenous peoples living in two Friendship Centre communities. This presentation will discuss project learnings and next steps in fostering an equitable cancer journey for urban Indigenous peoples.
Wed, June 30
12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Closing Ceremonies
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Added session - Summer Solstice Drumming & Singing
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Join us tomorrow from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. as Elder Dale Awasis leads us in Summer Solstice Drumming and Singing.
To join, click here.
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June 21 - It's National Indigenous Peoples Day!
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Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!First celebrated in 1996, National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
AHS is celebrating throughout the month of June, and we invite you to join us by:
- Taking part in the virtual events.
- Sharing an image honouring Indigenous culture
- Telling your story of strength and resilience
- Asking a question to build your awareness.
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Events this week: June 21 to June 25
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Here's how we're celebrating this week. Please join us, and see the full events calendar here.
Mon, June 21
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
9:00 a.m.
Opening Prayer Circle, Teachings and Song
Mondays at 9:00 a.m.
Start the week in a good way by joining us for a prayer led by Elder Dale Awasis.12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Introduction to the Indigenous Wellness Core
Val Austen Wiebe, Senior Provincial Director, Indigenous Wellness Core, AHS
Marty Landrie, Executive Director, Indigenous Wellness Core, AHSJoin us for an overview of the AHS Indigenous Wellness Core (IWC). The IWC leadership will provide some background on the evolution of Indigenous Health at AHS, an overview of the IWC strategy, and the vision for the future.
Tues, June 22
9:00 a.m.
to 10:00 a.m.Generational Impacts on Indigenous Health due to government Indian policy
Dale Awasis, Awasisak Advisor, AHS12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Honouring Life Updates: Stardale Women’s Group presentation
Throughout National Indigenous Peoples Celebration Month at Alberta Health Services a number of communities/organizations are presenting their innovative and inspiring work undertaken through the Honouring Life grant. We encourage you to attend these sessions to learn about the challenges and successes of these projects, the strength and wisdom of Indigenous ways of being in building resilient and strong youth, and how AHS can work with Indigenous communities through humility and commitment.
Wed, June 23
9:00 a.m.
to 10:00 a.m.What is family? Looking through an Indigenous lens
Dale Awasis, Awasisak Advisor, AHS11:00 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m.Honouring Life Updates: Bonnyville Friendship Centre & Urban Society of Aboriginal Youth (USAY)
Throughout National Indigenous Peoples Celebration Month at Alberta Health Services a number of communities/organizations are presenting their innovative and inspiring work undertaken through the Honouring Life grant. We encourage you to attend these sessions to learn about the challenges and successes of these projects, the strength and wisdom of Indigenous ways of being in building resilient and strong youth, and how AHS can work with Indigenous communities through humility and commitment.
12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Land Acknowledgements
Jamie Harmon, Health Promotion Facilitator, AHS
Inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Land Acknowledgements are a stepping-stone in the reconciliation process. This presentation provides a look at Land Acknowledgements through an Indigenous lens. We will talk about their significance, how to prepare one and the best way to present one. Some of the content may be emotionally triggering as we will be learning the truths of Indigenous history in Canada. These topics will include: Indian Residential Schools, 60’s Scoop, Indian Hospitals and how these historical events affected the Indigenous population.1:00 p.m.
to 2:30 p.m.Social Determinants and Indigenous Health
Jennifer Mantha, Health Promotion Facilitator, AHSIn this interactive workshop, we will discuss how the social determinants of health influence health and wellness, particularly as they relate to Indigenous Peoples in Canada. A historical view of how colonization shaped the determinants of Indigenous Peoples health will lead to an understanding of why inequities in the social determinants between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous populations exist today. We will also discuss how health indicators can be utilized to reveal health inequities stemming from deficiencies in the social determinants. Finally, we will discuss how Indigenous-specific social determinants, like self-determination, can positively affect Indigenous well-being.
2:30 p.m.
to 3:30 p.m.Indigenous Allyship
Sondra Baker, Health Promotion Facilitator, AHSDelving into the world of allyship with an Indigenous lens. Find the answers to these questions and more: How can we transfer our well-meaning thoughts into actions? and how can we truly make a difference where it is needed? What is Allyship, and how can I be an Ally for the Indigenous community.
Thurs, June 24
9:00 a.m.
to 10:00 a.m.Parenting for today
Dale Awasis, Awasisak Advisor12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Honouring Life Update: Métis Calgary Family Services (MCFS)
Throughout National Indigenous Peoples Celebration Month at Alberta Health Services a number of communities/organizations are presenting their innovative and inspiring work undertaken through the Honouring Life grant. We encourage you to attend these sessions to learn about the challenges and successes of these projects, the strength and wisdom of Indigenous ways of being in building resilient and strong youth, and how AHS can work with Indigenous communities through humility and commitment.1:00 p.m.
to 2:00 p.m.Honouring Life Update: Makai’sto Foundation
Throughout National Indigenous Peoples Celebration Month at Alberta Health Services a number of communities/organizations are presenting their innovative and inspiring work undertaken through the Honouring Life grant. We encourage you to attend these sessions to learn about the challenges and successes of these projects, the strength and wisdom of Indigenous ways of being in building resilient and strong youth, and how AHS can work with Indigenous communities through humility and commitment.1:00 p.m.
to 3:00 p.m.Summer Solstice Drumming and Singing
Elder Dale Awasis2:00 p.m.
to 3:00 p.m..Radon ReconciliACTION
Kienan Williams, Assistant Scientific Director, Indigenous HealthReconciliation through discussions alone are just words; ReconciliACTION by leading through tangible activities with real world implications are positive steps forward. This project that tested 70 homes for radon gas in Samson Cree Nation in a collaboration led by Maskwacis Health Services with Alberta Health Services and Indigenous Services Canada.
Fri, June 25
9:00 a.m.
to 10:00 a.m.Realities of on-reserve life
Dale Awasis, Awasisak Advisor, AHS12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.MMIWG
Joanna Gladue, Health Promotion Facilitator, AHS1:00 p.m.
to 2:00 p.m.Highlights & Closing Prayer
Elder Emil DurocherJoin us on Fridays as Elder Emil Durocher to share traditional teachings and ground us for the week along with and the Indigenous Wellness Core planning team to share highlights of the week, overview of what’s to come next week and announcement of the weekly winners of beautiful prizes donated by the Indigenous Wellness Core.
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Hope & Healing Ceremony - a gift from Siksika Nation
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Events this week: June 7 - June 11
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Here's how we're celebrating this week. Please join us, and see the full events calendar here.
Mon, June 7
9:00 a.m.
Opening Prayer Circle, Teachings and Song
Mondays at 9:00 a.m.Start the week in a good way by joining us for a prayer led by Elder Dale Awasis.
12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Quality of Care for First Nations Members in the Emergency Department
Lea Bill, Executive Director, Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre
Patrick McLane, Senior Researcher, Emergency SCN, AHSEmergency care services are an important health resource for First Nations persons. Working collaboratively with First Nations partners, academic researchers and health authority staff, this mixed-method study investigates First Nations emergency care in Alberta. In this presentation, we share qualitative results of interviews with physicians and nurses who work in emergency care, as well as results of ongoing analysis of health systems data. We provide recommendations for improving emergency care of First Nations members for individual healthcare providers, emergency departments and health systems.
Tues, June 8
12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Unconscious Bias & its impact on Cultural Safety
Karen Brooks, Senior Patient Engagement Consultant, AHS
Randall Bell, Senior Advisor – Indigenous Populations, AHSThe objectives of this session are to become aware of our own world views and biases. In this session, we learn about the relationship between bias and systemic forms of oppression (e.g. racism), and the importance of cultural safety for people who are different to you.
1:00 p.m.
to 2:00 p.m.Four Winds: Indigenous Patient Navigation Model (Methodology)
Kienan Williams, Assistant Scientific Director, Indigenous Health,AHSThis presentation will focus on the co-design methodology with Indigenous communities in the South Zone and the impact on the overall project implementation.
2:00 p.m.
to 3:00 p.m.Little Wonders
Presenter: Natalie Winn-Dempsey, Miskanwah
Moderator: Lisa L’Hirondelle, Indigenous Hospital Liaison, AHSLittle Wonders is a parented, early literacy, music and play program offering designed for families and their children from birth up to age 6 years old. This program has a distinctive rhythm and energy that perfectly captures the attention of young children and reflects traditional ways of connecting spiritually, socially and emotionally. Little Wonders is a program offering where parents & caregivers can delight in watching and interacting with their children in culturally rich environment. This program is offered throughout the year by the Tawaw Family Resource Network at Miskanawah.
Click here to join
Passcode: 690380Wed, June 9
11:00 a.m.
to 12:00 p.mFour Winds: Indigenous Patient Navigation Model (Nurse Perspective)
Chloe Crosschild, Indigenous Patient Navigator, AHSThis presentation will focus on implementing an Indigenous Patient Navigation service in the South Zone and be presented from the Indigenous nurse in the role.
12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.ESim Indigenous Health Project
Simon Ross, Senior Advisor, Cultural Competency, AHS
Click here to joinThurs, June 10
12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Honouring Life Updates: Enoch Cree Nation
Click here to join1:00 p.m.
to 2:00 p.m.Stories from South Zone: AHS Staff Highlights
Click here to joinFri, June 11
11:00 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m.Supporting Indigenous Peoples in Continuing Care
Orezy Imomoh, Lead, Provincial Seniors Health and Continuing Care, AHSJoin us in learning how Alberta Health Services is working to improve the quality of care that Indigenous seniors receive from home care, in Designated Supportive Living and Long Term Care sites across the province. Providing quality care to Indigenous peoples involves supporting their individual physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional needs by working to provide culturally appropriate care that acknowledges their belief systems, background, history, community and experiences.
12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.Inuit Culture
Atsinak Bishop, Indigenous Cultural Helper, AHS
Click here to join1:00 p.m.
to 2:00 p.m.Highlights & Closing Prayer
Elder Emil Durocher
Click here to join
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Who's Listening
Presentations - 2021 National Indigenous Peoples Celebrations
Photos of AHS Events
Cultural Activities
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"Travelling Song: One Rattle, One People" is a project created by Sherryl Sewepagaham, music therapist with Alberta Health Services' Indigenous Health Program, from an idea of sharing a community rattle to celebrate in song for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2020.
"Travelling Song" is a well-known and well-loved community song created by The Aboriginal Women's Voices Group, a collective of Indigenous women singers from Canada and the United States who participated in the 3-week residency program at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 1997.
"Travelling Song" was produced by Russell Wallace from the Lil'wat Nation in BC during the program and Travelling Song can be heard on The Hearts of the Nation CD. The participants in "Travelling Song: One Rattle, One People" are Alberta Health Services staff and community members.
There are many rattle teachings and this rattle represents the coming together of many hearts and voices.
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Nadine teaches how to make a beaded lanyard.
AHS Digital Patient Stories
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Tessy began her journey as a “medical mom” at the age of 19.
As her daughter fought through the first years of her life, Tessy began to learn the significance of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. When she began attending Traditional Ceremonies, everyone around her started seeing a change.
She developed strength and confidence she needed to have a quality of life she always desired for her family.
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This story was gifted to us by Jeraldine, a woman who has discovered strength and healing by celebrating her Indigenous culture.
Having persevered through dark days, she has entered a new season in her life.
