Author Archives: BTDH Communications

By-Election Notice: (1) – CLASS “A” DIRECTOR

April 2, 2025 3:46 pm Comments Off on By-Election Notice: (1) – CLASS “A” DIRECTOR

The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) will be holding a by-election for one Class “A” Director on:

Friday, May 2, 2025
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Polling Stations:

• Blood Tribe Department of Health, Kainai Continuing Care Centre (Great Hall), Standoff, AB
• Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society, 1709 2 Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB

Nominees for Class “A” Director (in alphabetical order):

• Constance Day Chief
• Martin Heavy Head
• Hank Shade
• William (Billy) Wadsworth

Following the ballot count, the nominee with the highest number of votes will be publicly declared, with results posted at the Blood Tribe Department of Health and the Shot Both Sides Building. The elected candidate must also meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the BTDH By-Laws before being ratified by the Board as a Class “A” Director.

For more information, contact:
Chief Electoral Officer – Aloyuisius Black Water
a.blackwater09@gmail.com | (587) 220-7474

Application for food vendors

March 28, 2025 1:46 pm Comments Off on Application for food vendors

We know that many parents and families are fundraising for Provincials and Treaties, and we want to support them in doing so safely. If you’re selling food as part of your fundraising efforts, it’s important to follow proper food handling guidelines to keep everyone safe.

Key Requirements for Temporary Food Vendors:

Event organizers must notify Environmental Public Health Services at least two weeks in advance. Luckily, our Environmental Health Officer will ensure that permits are processed in a timely manner when they are submitted.

Vendors must have proper flooring, handwashing stations, and waste disposal systems. Perishable food must be stored below 4°C or above 60°C, and home-prepared foods or wild game are not allowed. Food contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized regularly, and food handlers should practice good hygiene.

For more details, contact Environmental Public Health Services at:

Edmonton Office: (780) 495-2712
Calgary Office: (403) 292-6154

You can download the food sanitation requirements and application for setting up a food vendor below:

Honouring Life Art Media Contest

March 27, 2025 3:22 pm Comments Off on Honouring Life Art Media Contest

Hosted by the BTDH Wellness Program

The Honouring Life Art Media Contest invites young artists to express what culture means to them through creative work.

Theme:

“What does connecting to our culture mean to you?”

Contest Details:

All art mediums are accepted, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, third, and fourth place in each age category:

• Ages 3-8
• Ages 9-13
• Ages 14-18

The deadline to submit artwork is April 11, 2025.

This contest is part of the Honouring Life Indigenous Wellness Core, supporting youth in creative self-expression while strengthening cultural connections.

For more details or to submit artwork, contact the Wellness Program at 403-737-3883.

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day: March 24

March 24, 2025 11:07 am Comments Off on World Tuberculosis (TB) Day: March 24

We commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day each year on March 24 to raise awareness about the health, social and economic consequences of TB and to advance efforts to end the global TB epidemic.

Despite being both preventable and curable, TB remains one of the most common and deadly infectious diseases worldwide. While the rates of active TB in Canada are among the lowest in the world, Indigenous Peoples and Canadians born in countries where TB is more common continue to be disproportionately impacted.

BE AWARE OF THESE SYMPTOMS!

Fatigue, weight loss, lack of appetite, fever, night sweats, coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a curable illness caused by bacteria that spreads through air and then breathed into the lungs. TB most often infects your lungs but can also affect other organs in your body.

LATENT TB INFECTIOn

Latent TB infection (LTBI) means TB germs are in the body but not enough to cause sickness or spread the germs to others.

TUBERCULOSIS DISEASE

If TB germs become active and multiply, LTBI can turn into TB Disease. TB Disease is very contagious and can be spread to others through airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, laughing, and singing.

For more information, visit our Community Health Page or call 403-737-3933.

BTDH Newsletter

March 11, 2025 11:38 am Comments Off on BTDH Newsletter

We’re excited to share the latest edition of the Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) Newsletter with our community! This month’s issue is filled with important updates, upcoming events, and valuable health and wellness information. Copies of the newsletter are available at BTDH common areas including the Standoff and Levern Clinics, the Wellness Program Centre, Continuing Care Centre and BTDH Administration.

CALL FOR NOMINATION: (1) – CLASS “A” DIRECTOR BY-ELECTION

March 7, 2025 4:31 pm Comments Off on CALL FOR NOMINATION: (1) – CLASS “A” DIRECTOR BY-ELECTION

The Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc. (BTDH) is now accepting applications from interested Blood Tribe Members to serve as a Member of one (1) Class “A” BTDH Board of Director for a term ending November 2027.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board of Directors of the BTDH is responsible by law to supervise the management of the activities and affairs of BTDH, and in carrying out its mandate, the Board assumes accountability for the governance of BTDH. In order to achieve this, Board members must command the confidence and respect of the public by establishing and maintaining a reputation for integrity and high standards of ethics.

CLOSING DATE FOR LETTER OF INTEREST TO STAND FOR ELECTION TO THE BTDH:

Applications can be picked up and dropped off at the Blood Tribe Department of Health Administration Office. All contents of the application must be submitted in writing in a sealed envelope and received by the Chief Electoral Officer no later than Friday, March 28, 2025 at 4:30 pm to the following:

Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

January 20, 2025 6:44 pm Comments Off on Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

The month of January often brings change and new beginnings. Many Blood Tribe members set resolutions to eat better, move more, and quit unhealthy habits. However, this time of year can also be very stressful as holiday bills add up and the winter weather feels unending.

During these challenging times, it’s important to listen to our bodies. Our bodies are always talking to us, giving us clues about what we need to be healthy. These clues might include feeling hungry, thirsty, sad, scared, or even experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches.

What other ways does your body try to talk to you?

By learning to read these clues, we can make choices that support our health and well-being. Simple daily habits such as getting enough rest, eating nutritious foods, drinking water, staying clean, brushing our teeth, and exercising are vital for maintaining health. Additionally, expressing gratitude each day helps keep our hearts and minds in a positive place.

Managing Stress

Stress is a natural response to challenging situations. Everyone experiences stress differently, and how we cope matters. Healthy coping strategies can help us feel calmer, more relaxed, and soothed.

Here are some tips for handling stress:

• Move around or exercise.
• Laugh out loud and have fun with friends.
• Take time to chill and rest.
• Keep a journal to reflect.
• Lend a hand to someone else.

Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

Taking care of our mental and physical health is crucial during the winter months. Here are some simple tips to boost your mood:

• Get plenty of natural light.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat mood-boosting foods.
• Stay hydrated.
• Socialize and connect with others.
• Maintain a consistent routine.
• Take time for relaxation and self-care.
• Dress warmly and stay cozy.
• Enjoy seasonal activities.
• Seek professional help if needed.

Remember: Your health and well-being are important. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, our Wellness Team is here to help. Call 403-737-3883 for support.

Supporting Recovery While Respecting Privacy: A Message from Bringing the Spirit Home

January 16, 2025 4:41 pm Comments Off on Supporting Recovery While Respecting Privacy: A Message from Bringing the Spirit Home

At Bringing the Spirit Home (BTSH), we recognize the importance of family support in the recovery journey of those battling drug and alcohol addiction. Your care and encouragement play a crucial role in their healing. However, we must also emphasize the Kainayssini Traditional Values of our program: Inna’kootsiiyissinii, to have respect for the privacy of our participants.

Kimohpipo’tookoyi: Responsibility to Privacy

The BTSH program provides hope and healing for individuals fighting addiction. With a dedicated team of medical professionals, paramedics, counselors, peer support workers, and Elders, each client’s recovery journey is carefully tailored to their unique needs. To ensure this process is as seamless as possible, we strive to remove barriers to accessing services, allowing participants to focus entirely on their path to wellness.

We understand that patients value their privacy, which is why our facility’s admissions and detoxification treatments are designed to protect their personal information. Every aspect of our operations adheres to strict confidentiality guidelines, ensuring that participants feel safe and secure throughout their recovery journey.

Can I speak with the BTSH team to ask questions about my family member who is a participant in detox or pre-treatment?

As a licensed and accredited facility, Bringing the Spirit Home follows laws and procedures to safeguard the privacy of our participants. Without explicit consent from the individual, we cannot collect or share information about their recovery journey. This commitment to confidentiality allows participants to focus on their healing without external pressures or concerns about privacy.

The Impact of Addiction on Families

When someone struggles with addiction, it often affects the entire family. Communication may decrease as family members cope with the challenges addiction brings, sometimes even keeping the issue a secret from others. Responsibilities may shift, causing additional stress and tension within the household. These dynamics can lead to feelings of loneliness, frustration, fear, anger, shame, or guilt. Many family members may also feel hopeless or unsure of how to help.

At BTSH, we believe in balancing the vital role of family support with the need to respect each participant’s privacy. By ensuring confidentiality, we empower individuals to take control of their recovery in a safe and supportive environment. While we may not be able to share information about your loved one’s journey, we encourage families to seek their own support and resources to navigate the challenges that addiction can bring. To learn more about available mental health and wellness resources at the Blood Tribe Department of Health, visit: Wellness Program or call 403-737-3883.

Community Health Celebrates New Years Baby

January 15, 2025 11:30 pm Comments Off on Community Health Celebrates New Years Baby

The Blood Tribe Department of Health Community Health team proudly celebrated the arrival of Inaya Summer Small Eyes, the Blood Tribe 2025 New Year’s Baby!

Born on January 1, 2025, at 8:18 p.m., Inaya weighed 7 lbs 7 oz. Her proud parents are Chezney Small Eyes and Chase Medicine Crane. Baby Inaya was surrounded by love and showered with gifts during the celebration, which also paid tribute to the remarkable legacy of Community Health Nurse Tina Pace.

Tina dedicated nearly 30 years to serving our community. Each year, she organized the celebration and fundraising efforts to provide baby items and gift cards for the New Year’s Baby.

In honour of her life and contributions, Tina’s family continued her cherished tradition by donating a beautiful handmade star quilt and other thoughtful gifts to welcome the newest member of the Blood Tribe.

We extend our gratitude to our generous partners for their donations and to the Pace family for upholding Tina’s legacy of kindness and care. Please join us in sending warm wishes to this new family as they embark on their journey together.

Ways to give back during the Christmas season

December 5, 2024 5:28 pm Comments Off on Ways to give back during the Christmas season

This Christmas season, we invite you to join us in supporting our community members through meaningful contributions. Here are three ways you can make a difference:

1. Christmas Toy Drive 

Help us bring joy to Kainaiwa children!

• What to Donate: New, unwrapped gifts for children aged newborn to 17 years.
• Drop-Off Location: Bringing the Spirit Home Detox Centre, Monday to Friday, 8 AM–6 PM.
• Need a Pickup? Call (403) 737-8600 or text (403) 915-3550.
• Distribution Dates: December 23rd and 24th.

Let’s ensure every child experiences the magic of Christmas!

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2. Winter Clothing Donation for the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit 

Support those in need by donating warm winter clothing.

• What to Donate: Hats, mittens, scarves, jackets, and other winter essentials.
• Donation Bins Located At:
  • Blood Tribe Department of Health
  • Blood Tribe Administration
  • Red Crow Community College
  • BTEST
  • Kainai Board of Education
• Collection Date: The LWS-SU team will be picking up the bins on December 13 and distributing items to shelter guests at both the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and White Calf Shelter in Standoff.

Your contributions will keep our community warm and cared for during the colder months.

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3. Encourage Sobriety Through Giving 

Support members of our community in maintaining their sobriety during the holidays.

• What to Donate: Essential items that promote wellness and recovery. Click here for a full list of item ideas
• Contact Information: For a list of suggested items, please visit btdh.ca or contact Amanda Fox or Kyanni Thunder Chief at 403-737-8600.

Your generosity helps create a safe and supportive environment during the holiday season.

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Thank you for spreading the holiday spirit with us!