Mother’s Day Gratitude Event
THANK YOU, Siksika, for nominating your mothers and mother figures! They are featured in the event program:
This multi-part event will bring together mothers and mother figures for a time of connection, learning, dinner and dessert, followed by a dance performance at which everyone is welcome.
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Location: Siksika Piiksapi Memorial Arbor
Schedule of Events:
4:00-6:30pm: special program for mothers and mother figures. This portion of the evening will feature guest speaker, Dr. Sandra Dumanski, Nephrologist and women’s cardiovascular health specialist about how to “Give your Heart Some Love”, followed by remarks from our inspiring keynote speakers: Dr. Latisha Hewton-Backfat, Dr. Pearl Yellow Old Woman-Healy, Katrina Hewton-Backfat, and Siksika Health CEO, Angie Sarsons.
At 6:30pm: doors will open to welcome family, friends, and all community members from Siksika Nation and beyond for a family-friendly celebration. A highlight of this segment will be a spectacular performance by the dance troupe “Living Legends”, showcasing the rich traditions of Native American, Polynesian, and Latin American dance.
Guest Speakers and Event Features:
Dr. Sandra Dumanski
Dr. Dumanski is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Calgary and nephrologist at Alberta Health Services. With her research program and clinical expertise in kidney and cardiovascular disease, and her scientific background in vascular physiology, Dr. Dumanski endeavors to understand the impacts of sex and gender on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in women and men.
Dr. Latisha Hewton-Backfat
Oki my name is Latisha, my Blackfoot name is Kitaitsinopakii. My professional name is Dr. Latisha Hewton-Backfat and I am a member of Siksika First Nation. My grandparents were Philip and Jean Backfat and my parents are Ron Hewton and Betty Backfat-Hewton. I am a mom to three busy boys. I work as a Family Physician and low risk Obstetrics provider serving Siksika and Calgary. I received my first degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary, then went to medical school at the University of Alberta and finished my training at the University of British Columbia’s Postgraduate program in Family Medicine in 2012. I provide full scope Family Medicine in Siksika and low risk Obstetrical and Newborn care in Siksika and Calgary.
A career in medicine was a long journey and I am very grateful to my family, who supported and encouraged me: my husband who I dragged to Edmonton then Victoria and back to Calgary; my parents, and sisters Gisele, Candace, Fawn and Katrina; also my extended family and Siksika community who have encouraged and supported me as well. I’ve had so many mentors along the way. I continue to love the work I am privileged to do and have a special interest in Women’s Health and Maternity and Newborn care.
The hardest and most rewarding job has been being a mom and I was blessed with 3 boys who have taught me so much!
Angie Sarsons
Angie Sarsons is a proud member of Moose Cree First Nation (Moose Factory, ON). She is of mixed decent (Cree on her Mother’s side and French on her father’s side). She recently assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with Siksika Health Services. Her purpose in life is beautifully reflected in her Indigenous name: Megezo Ehpehtastamoot/Wind that Helps Eagles Fly, signifying her dedication to supporting and uplifting others in their journey toward growth and success.
For over two decades, Angie has owned and operated Collective Initiatives, an Indigenous consulting and training company specializing in governance, leadership, and capacity development. She is highly regarded for her expertise in strategic planning, governance training, and senior-level management. Angie holds a Master’s in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor’s in Social Development Studies from the University of Waterloo. Angie has extensive experience in healthcare leadership and administration, having served as Executive Director of Misiway Milopemahtesewin Community Health Centre, where she played a critical role in advancing community-driven healthcare initiatives. She was also instrumental in helping her home Nation, Moose Cree First Nation, successfully negotiate and implement its Health Transfer from the Federal Government—an achievement that strengthened community health sovereignty and enhanced access to culturally appropriate care.
Angie has held senior leadership positions as Director of Operations for the Shuswap and Campbell River Indian Bands, where she led organizational restructuring, policy development, and strategic governance initiatives. Her approach is deeply rooted in the principles of Two-Eyed Seeing, blending Indigenous knowledge with Western governance practices to create sustainable, community-led solutions. As a Crown-ward from the ages of 5-16 (having been raised in ten different foster homes), Angie developed resiliency and a holistic ‘medicine bundle’ that has not only allowed her to transcend the odds stacked against her but to truly thrive and impact others in a positive way. Her favourite quote is: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care”. Angie is committed to leaving a legacy that will leave a positive impact for seven generations to come.
Dr. Pearl Yellow Old Woman-Healy
Dr. Pearl Yellow Old Woman-Healy (Pinnaap’ksísskstakaakii, “Eastern Beaver Woman”) has a PhD in Community Health Sciences from the University of Calgary, with a specialization in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. Her research, which focused on Siksikaitsitapi-informed health and wellness for Siksika children with disabilities, demonstrates her deep commitment to culturally competent healthcare delivery.
Katrina Hewton-Backfat
Katrina (Ni’tainahmahakii) is a registered psychologist from Siksika Nation. She is from the Backfat family (grandparents Philip and Jean). She was born and raised in Calgary, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and the Master of Counselling program at City University of Seattle. Her parents are Ron and Betty and she has 4 sisters: Gisele, Candace, Latisha and Fawn.
Katrina has a background of working in areas of crisis, sexual violence, and addiction. Her work as a psychologist is based on understanding trauma from an Indigenous way of knowing and integrating diverse ways of healing. She works primarily with adults and youth (12+) and enjoys working from a spiritual and relational lens.
