2022 National Indigenous Peoples Month Celebrations

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Thank you for joining us to celebrate the 2022 National Indigenous Peoples Day. Visit Alberta Health Services' Indigenous Health Program  to learn more.

L to R: AHS Cultural Helper Noella Cardinal and her daughter Lesanna Hayden Dennehy, Juli Harmon and her mother AHS Health Promotion Facilitator Jamie Harmon, and AHS Inuit Helper Atisinak Bishop.


On June 21, Canada will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples DayFirst celebrated in 1996, this is a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples from across Canada.

This year our theme is Healing through Mind, Body and Spirit. Join us as we celebrate throughout the month of June. Keep watching here to keep up to date on AHS events and activities. 

As we celebrate together, feel free to ask questionsshare inspirational titles, and remember to take time for healing and self care.

L to R: AHS Cultural Helper Noella Cardinal and her daughter Lesanna Hayden Dennehy, Juli Harmon and her mother AHS Health Promotion Facilitator Jamie Harmon, and AHS Inuit Helper Atisinak Bishop.


On June 21, Canada will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples DayFirst celebrated in 1996, this is a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples from across Canada.

This year our theme is Healing through Mind, Body and Spirit. Join us as we celebrate throughout the month of June. Keep watching here to keep up to date on AHS events and activities. 

As we celebrate together, feel free to ask questionsshare inspirational titles, and remember to take time for healing and self care.

Thank you for joining us to celebrate the 2022 National Indigenous Peoples Day. Visit Alberta Health Services' Indigenous Health Program  to learn more.

  • Who loves bannock?

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    We do!

    Join us on Zoom on Thursday, June 23 @ 1:00 p.m. to bake bannock. We will be in the kitchen following along with Audrey Thomas and Chrystal Plante as they share their love of baking!

    To cook along with us, you will need flour, water and baking powder.


  • The background on the AHS Zoom background

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    You may have noticed that several of the AHS participants are using a special Zoom background this month. This background was designed by a member of the AHS WebComm team, Jacqueline Barr, who is a proud Métis artist. Here are her words about her beautiful design:

    "This is a visual representation directly symbolizing this year’s theme of "Healing through mind, body and spirit." The sun represents spirit. The words featured at the top are words of healing or health. At the bottom, sacred Indigenous plants found in Alberta are included (sage, sweetgrass, wild rose, yarrow and saskatoon). These are historically used for medicine and wellbeing."


    Learn the Words Above

  • AHS Vlog - National Indigenous Peoples Month

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    June is National Indigenous Peoples Month, a time to recognize the cultures and stories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. It is important to honour, recognize and celebrate the beauty and strengths of the First Peoples of this land.

    Indigenous health services are delivered throughout the province in partnership with Indigenous peoples to provide high quality, culturally safe, accessible healthcare. And by learning about and inspiring each other through these partnerships, we can enhance an inclusive healthcare system that is welcoming and respectful of all cultures, traditions and beliefs.

  • Events: Week of June 20 to 24

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    Here's how we will be celebrating the week of June 20-24, 2022.
    For session descriptions and the full events calendar, click here.

    Lots of events are happening in communities this week. Take a look at our map to find out what is happening near you, or to share events in your community.

    Monday, June 20

    9 a.m. to 10 a.m. - The reality of Indigenous health systems safety:
    Anti-Indigenous racism among physicians in Alberta
    Dr Pamela Roach, PhD. Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine,
    Director, Indigenous Health Education, Indigenous Local and Global Health Office,
    Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
    See the recorded presentation here.

    10 a.m. - Elder Teaching
    Join us every morning this week for a teaching time with Elder Dale Awasis.

    1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - The Tenants of Indigenous Allyship

    Joanna Gladue, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Cultural Competency Team,
    AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Tuesday, June 21
    HAPPY NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY!

    9 a.m. - Elder Teaching
    Join us every morning this week for a teaching time with Elder Dale Awasis.

    12 p.m. to 1 p.m. - Indigenous Physicians Panel

    Dr Nicole Cardinal, Dr Sonya Regehr and Dr Ginetta Salvalaggio
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Wednesday, June 22
    9 a.m. - Elder Teaching
    Join us every morning this week for a teaching time with Elder Dale Awasis.

    11 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Examining Key Implementation Factors for Advancing
    Indigenous Primary Health Care Models
    Stephanie Montesanti, PHD, MA, BA and Kayla Fitzpatrick
    See the recorded presentation here.

    12 p.m. to 1 p.m. - Indigenous Addiction and Mental Wellness
    Randal Bell, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Populations
    Recording to come.

    1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Indigenous Wellness Core Commitments
    Marty Landrie, Executive Director, AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    See the recorded presentation here.

    2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Ben Calf Robe Society: Our Children Are Sacred Youth Suicide Prevention Program
    Honouring Life Community Presentation
    Chrystal Thornton, Program Manager
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Thursday, June 23
    9 a.m. - Elder Teaching
    Join us every morning this week for a teaching time with Elder Dale Awasis.

    12 p.m. to 1 p.m. - Indigenous Water Inequity and Health
    Randal Bell, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Populations
    See the recorded presentation here.

    1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Bannock Making
    Audrey Thomas and Chrystal Plante
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Friday, June 24
    9 a.m. - Elder Teaching
    Join us every morning this week for a teaching time with Elder Dale Awasis.

    12 p.m. to 1 p.m. - Self Care Friday
    Drumming and Dancing with Curt Young and Joanna Gladue.
    See the recorded presentation here.

    3 p.m. - Closing Ceremonies
    Join us as we conclude the month of celebrations.
    See the recorded presentation here.
  • How Are You Celebrating?

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    Across the province, communities are commemorating National Indigenous Peoples Month. Share with us how your community will be honouring this time - share a poster, a photo or an idea of how you plan to celebrate by dropping a pin on our map.

    **Please note that all submissions will be subject to the Together4Health page moderation policy and Terms and Conditions.

  • Events: Week of June 13 to 17

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    Here's how we will be celebrating the week of June 13-17, 2022.
    For session descriptions and the full events calendar, click here.

    Monday, June13

    Métis Nation of Alberta Presentation - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Reagan Bartel, Director of Health, Métis Nation of Alberta
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Intergenerational Trauma - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
    Joanna Gladue, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Cultural Competency Team,
    AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Tuesday, June 14

    1-844 Indigenous Support Line - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Nadine McRee, Project Director, AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    Shelley Fahlman, Program Manager - Specialized Teams
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Honouring Life Community Presentation - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
    **CANCELLED***

    Wednesday, June 15

    The Maskwacis Maternal, Child & Family Wellbeing Research Group:
    Building relationships through trust
    12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Elder Rick Lightning, Ermineskin Cree Nation
    Dr Richard Oster, PhD, Scientific Director, AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Thursday, June 16

    “Should I even ask?” - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Brenda Laboucan, Manager, Edmonton & Central Zones, Indigenous Wellness Core
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Honouring Life Community Presentation - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
    Fishing Lake Métis Settlement
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Friday, June 17

    Quality of Care in the Emergency Department for First Nation Members in Alberta
    11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Lea Bill, Executive Director, Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre
    Patrick McLane, Senior Researcher, Emergency SCN, AHS
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Self-Care Friday: Creativity Circle - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Indigenous professionals and mental health - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
    Susan Rawlings, J.D.

    Weekly Highlights and Closing Prayer - 2 p.m.
    Join us on Fridays as the Indigenous Wellness Core planning team shares highlights from the week, an overview of what’s to come next week and announces the weekly winners of beautiful prizes donated by the Indigenous Wellness Core. Indigenous Elders Advocate, Emil Durocher, will share a teaching and close our week in prayer.

  • Events: Week of June 6 to 10

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    Here's how we will be celebrating the week of June 6 -10, 2022.
    For session descriptions and the full events calendar, click here.

    Monday, June 6
    Blackfoot Confederacy Presentation - 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Honouring Life Community Presentation

    See the recorded presentation here.

    Strategies to Combat Anti-Indigenous Racism in the Healthcare System
    12 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    Dr. Fiona Clement, Association Professor, Dept Head of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary
    Recording to come.

    Tuesday, June 7
    Land Acknowledgement - 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Jamie Harmon, Indigenous Health Promotion Facilitator, AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Return to our Culture: Driftpile Cree First Nation Presentation - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Honouring Life Community Presentation

    Roderick Freeman, Project Manager, Reclaiming Our Youth Healing Program, Driftpile Cree First Nation
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Wednesday, June 8
    Inuit Presentation - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Atsinak Bishop, Inuit Cultural Helper, AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Thursday, June 9
    Continuing Care Resource Presentation - 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Sophie Sapergia, Director Supportive Housing & Residential Living
    Joanna Gladue, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Cultural Competency Team, AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Embracing the Buffalo Story: Walking through the Storm -
    12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Honouring Life Community Presentation
    LeeAnne Ireland, Executive Director, Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY)
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Indigenous Cancer Patient Navigation - 2p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Arrow Bigsmoke, Kelsey Swank and Lucy Laboucan, Indigenous Cancer Patient Navigators
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Friday, June 10
    Self-Care Friday - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Pow-Wow Dancing

    Joanna Gladue, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Cultural Competency Team, AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    See the recorded presentation here.

    Weekly Highlights and Closing Prayer - 2 p.m.
    Join us on Fridays as the Indigenous Wellness Core planning team shares highlights from the week, an overview of what’s to come next week and announces the weekly winners of beautiful prizes donated by the Indigenous Wellness Core. Indigenous Elders Advocate, Emil Durocher, will share a teaching and close our week in prayer.

  • Opening Ceremonies - National Indigenous Peoples Month at AHS

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  • Events this week: June 1 to June 3

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    Join us as we launch a month of celebrations!

    Here's how we will be celebrating this week:

    Wednesday, June 1

    Opening Ceremonies - 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
    MC: Marty Landrie, Executive Director, AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    This June, AHS will focus on Healing through Mind, Body and Spirit by hosting online and in-person events to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month. Join us online for the Opening Ceremonies, led by Marty Landrie, Executive Director for the Indigenous Wellness Core.

    See the recorded presentation here.

    Thursday, June 2

    Indigenous Physicians Panel - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
    Dr Alika Fontaine, Dr Matthew Ray, Dr Catherine Scrimshaw
    Learn the perspectives of Indigenous Physicians and Physicians that work with Indigenous peoples and communities.

    See the recorded presentation here.

    Friday, June 3

    Indigenous Anti-Racism Simulation - 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Joanna Gladue, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Cultural Competency Team,
    AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    This presentation will provide an opportunity to learn about Indigenous simulation and how this experiential opportunity can engage health care providers in a facilitated scenario with an Indigenous patient. The facilitators will provide an overview of the history and development of the Indigenous Simulation project and give an update. Participants will be guided through a condensed role-playing scenario, with an opportunity to ask questions and find out how the Indigenous simulation program strives to improve the quality of health care for Indigenous patients.
    See the recorded presentation here.


    Self Care Friday - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Wellness Approach to Indigenous Health: A Medicine Wheel Teaching
    Joanna Gladue, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Cultural Competency Team,
    AHS Indigenous Wellness Core
    This presentation will provide an overview of holistic health, with an emphasis on an Indigenous perspective on how to incorporate the medicine wheel teachings into ensuring you are balanced in your own life. The presenter will describe each of the four quadrants of the Cree medicine wheel; giving participants an opportunity to use this as a way to take care of themselves through physical, emotional, mental and spiritual activities. Participants will be involved in hands-on techniques in how to de-stress; guided by the facilitator.


    Weekly Highlights and Closing Prayer - 2 p.m.
    Join us on Fridays as the Indigenous Wellness Core planning team shares highlights from the week, an overview of what's to come next week and announces the weekly winners of beautiful prizes.

    Indigenous Elders Advocate, Emil Durocher, will share a teaching and close our week in prayer.