Four Winds Initiative

This project has now concluded.

The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Health System (PRIHS) Indigenous Patient Navigator project has the goal of helping Indigenous Patients and their families to navigate the complexities of the health system and to help them through the different transitions during their journey in and out of care. We know Indigenous people continue to experience barriers in accessing health care leading to health inequities and poor health outcomes compared to other segments of the population.


This project will work with Indigenous patients and families to co-design a navigation service with the goals of providing smoother access to services, creating better connections to health and other community services, and ultimately improving health outcomes.

To learn more or to access Four Winds Indigenous Patient Navigation services, please contact us:

Kara Eagle Bear, Indigenous Patient Navigator
T: (403) 634-0939
Jeremy Chief Calf, Indigenous Patient Navigator
T: (403) 634-0930
Program Email: fourwinds@ahs.ca




The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Health System (PRIHS) Indigenous Patient Navigator project has the goal of helping Indigenous Patients and their families to navigate the complexities of the health system and to help them through the different transitions during their journey in and out of care. We know Indigenous people continue to experience barriers in accessing health care leading to health inequities and poor health outcomes compared to other segments of the population.


This project will work with Indigenous patients and families to co-design a navigation service with the goals of providing smoother access to services, creating better connections to health and other community services, and ultimately improving health outcomes.

To learn more or to access Four Winds Indigenous Patient Navigation services, please contact us:

Kara Eagle Bear, Indigenous Patient Navigator
T: (403) 634-0939
Jeremy Chief Calf, Indigenous Patient Navigator
T: (403) 634-0930
Program Email: fourwinds@ahs.ca




This project has now concluded.

  • Elders Announce Indigenous Name for PRIHS Project

    Indigenous Elders Morris Little Wolf (Piikani), Winston Wadsworth (Kainai), Alice Zwart (Inuit), Alice Bissonette (Metis) and Beatrice Little Mustache (Piikani) gathered to discuss the naming of the South Zone Indigenous Patient Navigation Model project.

    Through the Creator, "Four Winds" was identified.

    • Wind is of significance in the Blackfoot, Inuit and Métis cultures.

    • Wind is also significant to the South Zone (chinook winds).

    • Wind is never ending and transcends all cultures.

    • Winds bring calm and relaxation.

    • Wind also signifies a journey.

    • Wind is cleansing and healing.

    • Wind also comes from 4 directions (like the medicine wheel).

    • Wind is invisible – a power that you don’t see.

    The Four Winds project hopes to support and provide navigation services for Indigenous patients and their families. Moving from having to chase support, to feeling the support, like a warm wind.

    A naming transfer and Pipe Ceremony was held on August 21, 2019.

    The ceremony was a heart touching and emotional experience. Special thanks to the Elders for leading the steering committee through such a special cultural tradition and for telling such meaningful and impactful stories.



    Indigenous Elders Morris Little Wolf (Piikani), Winston Wadsworth (Kainai), Alice Zwart (Inuit), Alice Bissonette (Metis) and Beatrice Little Mustache (Piikani) gathered to discuss the naming of the South Zone Indigenous Patient Navigation Model project.

    Through the Creator, "Four Winds" was identified.

    • Wind is of significance in the Blackfoot, Inuit and Métis cultures.

    • Wind is also significant to the South Zone (chinook winds).

    • Wind is never ending and transcends all cultures.

    • Winds bring calm and relaxation.

    • Wind also signifies a journey.

    • Wind is cleansing and healing.

    • Wind also comes from 4 directions (like the medicine wheel).

    • Wind is invisible – a power that you don’t see.

    The Four Winds project hopes to support and provide navigation services for Indigenous patients and their families. Moving from having to chase support, to feeling the support, like a warm wind.

    A naming transfer and Pipe Ceremony was held on August 21, 2019.

    The ceremony was a heart touching and emotional experience. Special thanks to the Elders for leading the steering committee through such a special cultural tradition and for telling such meaningful and impactful stories.



    This project has now concluded.

  • Launch of Indigenous Patient Navigation Project

    June 17, 2019

    June 17, 2019

    This project has now concluded.

  • Research aims to improve Indigenous health outcomes

    Research aims to improve Indigenous health outcomes

    Research aims to improve Indigenous health outcomes

    This project has now concluded.

  • New research hoping to improve health outcomes for the Indigenous population

    New research hoping to improve health outcomes for the Indigenous population - Lethbridge News Now

    New research hoping to improve health outcomes for the Indigenous population - Lethbridge News Now

    This project has now concluded.