Author Archives: Ryan Running Rabbit
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Meet Angie Sarsons, Siksika Health Services New CEO
Leave a CommentSiksika Health Services’ new Chief Executive Officer: Angela (“Angie”) Sarsons!
Angie is a member of Moose Cree First Nation, Moose Factory, Ontario, and is of Cree and French descent. She was born and raised in Northern Ontario, relocated to BC for the past fifteen years, and is now joining us in Alberta to lead our health & wellness services offered on Siksika Nation.
Angie has dedicated her career to serving Indigenous communities and organizations, bringing more than 20 years of senior-level management experience. In addition to her leadership roles, she has provided consulting and training in governance, strategic planning, management, health planning, education, and economic development. Angie has held senior roles with the Shuswap Indian Band, was the Band Manager for Wei Wai Kum First Nation, and Executive Director of Misiway Community Health Centre. As Director of Health for Moose Cree First Nation, she successfully led the community through the Health Transfer Process with the Federal Government.
We are confident that our incoming CEO brings the right blend of experience, vision, and leadership to guide our organization successfully through its next chapter of growth and impact. Please join us in welcoming Angie to Siksika Nation, and to Siksika Health Services!
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Safe Sleep Week 2025
Leave a CommentMar. 10-14 is Safe Sleep Week! Here are some tips to create a safer sleep environment for your baby, helping reduce the risk of sleep-related incidents and promote healthy rest.
The only products your baby needs for a safe sleep are:
- a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets Canada safety regulations
- a firm, flat mattress with a tightly fitted sheet
- simple, fitted sleepwear, like a sleeper
As a general rule, avoid products:
- Some products that you may find in stores or online that might not be safe for sleep include:
- baby nests, pods, loungers and other soft products like bedding sets, pillows, bumper pads, crib mattress pads and nursing pillows
- crib wedges, sleep positioners, inclined sleepers, baby hammocks
- bed-side sleepers and in-bed sleepers
- crib tents
Before you buy, check for product recalls and advisories, and ask yourself if:
- the product is safe for your baby
- it’s safe for you baby to fall asleep in the product
- you know how to use this product safely
For those who bed-share with your baby, here are some tips for safer bedsharing:
- Refrain from smoking
- Sober adults only
- Breastfeeding is encouraged because breastfed babies wake up more easily from deep sleep
- Safest when done with healthy, full-term babies
- Lay baby on back, face up
- Light clothing, no swaddling to prevent overheating
- Safe surface – no soft mattress, no pillows, no clutter, and ensure any gaps are firmly filled
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March is Nutrition Month!
Leave a CommentOur Koo-koosinooniiks (Our Children) Nutrition program will be helping us provide essential nutrition tips for mothers. This isn’t possible without our amazing prenatal nurses. We’d love to introduce them to you!
Yassamin Erickson
“My name is Yassamin Erickson, I am registered nurse and I have been working in Siksika for the past 7 years. I am the mom of two wonderful and busy girls. I enjoy spending time in nature and hiking with my family. I’ve always loved caring for and educating others, and a career in nursing seemed to best fit this passion. I love connecting with moms and supporting them as they navigate their postpartum period.
I especially enjoy accompanying moms on their breastfeeding journeys . Being able to breastfeed your baby is such a rewarding experience and beautiful gift for your baby, but it can at times be a challenging new skill to learn. That is why I decided to become a certified lactation consultant in order to best assist moms as they take on this new endeavour.
Our team will do its best to support you however you need, through at home and in clinic visits, phone calls and texts. We’ll try our best to answer any questions or concerns you may have prenatally or postpartum, and we will connect you to any resources you need to ensure you and your family are healthy.“
Kit Livingston
“Oki! My name is Kit Livingston. I grew up on a ranch on the Matzhiwin Creek, north of Brooks. My family were immigrants from the US & Europe and include a Swedish midwife who lived down by Kainai. I raised my 5 kids in the Kootenays, where I became a doula, a childbirth educator, and a breastfeeding advocate. When my youngest baby started kindergarten, I enrolled in the UVic/Selkirk College nursing program. I also completed the BCIT post-graduate perinatal nursing program. Living in a rural community, I had the opportunity to work in a variety of nursing areas, including HomeCare, acute mental health, med/surg, and maternity care. In 2014, I returned to Blackfoot territory with my children, to support my elderly father. Being on the Land again sparked an intense desire to understand the true history of my community, a desire which eventually led to employment as a Community Health Nurse at Siksika. My focus at SHS is supporting families in providing the best possible care for their babies, before and after birth. My time here is the highlight of my career. Thank you to the Niitsitapi who have been so kind and welcoming to this Naapiikoan.“Kelly Culp
“My name is Kelly Culp, I am registered nurse of 22 yrs, and I have been working in Community Health @ Siksika for over a year. Prior to this I worked for Siksika Home Care for many years, Bassano Hospital, Palliative Care Calgary, Home Care Strathmore and Labour and Delivery @ PLC. I have also became a doula and assisted Midwives at Home Births. I am the mom of four kids ages 17, 15, 13 and 4. I enjoy spending time on my acreage in my garden and with my animals. In the winter you can usually find me at an arena cheering on one of my kids. I became a nurse because it seemed like a good fit for my rural farming background and came as a natural transition to be able to help others and my community. I love my work at Siksika and am honoured to support the moms and young families through some of the most exciting and vulnerable chapters of their lives. I am very passionate about empowering/supporting women to help them grow healthy and happy families.
Our team will do its best to support you however you need, through at home and in clinic visits, phone calls and texts. We’ll try our best to answer any questions or concerns you may have prenatally or postpartum, as well as during the early childhood years and we will connect you to any resources you need to ensure you and your family are healthy.“Koo-koosinooniiks – Prenatal Nutrition Program Info
Similar to the former CPNP program, the goal is to support the health of women throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.
Women part of this program have access to prenatal & postnatal education, classes, food hampers, resources and nutrition support. The maternal child program is also available for young families needing additional support in the early childhood years.
1 on 1 Nursing Support
Once a month each client has direct access to the prenatal nurse for 1 on 1 support. During the visit the nurse provides teaching on the client’s current stage of pregnancy including:
- Changes for mom and baby during the prenatal period.
- Upcoming prenatal tests and community events
- Common discomforts and at home remedies
- Any questions the client has related to her pregnancy, her baby, or what to expect in the future
During these visits clients will receive a nutrition voucher to support healthy eating for the family.
How to get involved?
An Intake Appointment is the initial meeting between you and our nurses. This initial appointment lasts about 45 minutes and allows for the client and nurse to get to know each other.
Each client will receive a resource package that includes a pregnancy and early childhood book set, nutrition resources, breastfeeding information package, and their first Nutrition Voucher.
You can contact the community health nurse to set up an appointment or your prenatal primary care provider can refer you directly.
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Meet the therapists of Siksika Mental Health Services: Conclusion
Leave a CommentThe role of a therapist is to jump into the client’s world, and support them in walking out towards healing.
Therapists don’t give advice, because this would require them to base their input on their own experience. Their role is to support a person through their experience, and journey with them towards healing
Meet some of our Siksika Mental Health Therapists!
Sally Acquah – Registered Clinical Therapist
My name is Sally Acquah. I was born in Ghana (West Africa), grew up in France, and have lived in Calgary for 15 years. I love the ocean, and I am a foodie😊
My educational background is in Social Work with a Clinical specialization. I pursued this career because I genuinely believe life’s trauma, complex losses and challenges can alter our perception and stories as people. My hope has always been to support individuals and families to acknowledge, process and see beyond the pain as they create healing stories that last for generations.
The work done by our mental health therapists can sometimes be unseen, but it vital to the care of Siksika Health Services’ clients and Siksika Nation members.
Siksika Mental Health is a safe space for everyone. We use various therapeutic modalities to support individuals based on their needs. We integrate traditional practice should an individual request an Elder. Furthermore, we will assist individuals in acquiring the support they need should our service not meet their needs. There is never a better day to start the journey than today- take the step; we are here to support you- what is your story?
Samuel Acquah – Registered Psychologist
Samuel is a Provisional School Psychologist who is dedicated to serving and contributing to the mental well-being of children, adolescents, and their families. Throughout his career and educational journey, Samuel has been involved in programs that support children’s behavior development. His role has been to assist many children and youth in achieving their behavior and academic goals through therapeutic relationships, role modeling, and mentorship. Samuel is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children, and this is evident in his work.
Samuel holds a Master’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology and a Master’s degree in School Psychology and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. With his expertise in psychoeducational assessments, Samuel is skilled in assessing learning disorders, ADHD, ASD, and other conditions. Moreover, he provides individual and group counseling to children and adolescents who are dealing with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and behavioral difficulties, among other related challenges.
Samuel’s commitment to his profession is evident in his work, and his credentials speak for themselves. He is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to support children and adolescents in achieving their full potential.
Sue Humphrey – Registered Psychology
I live in Calgary with my husband and have three grown children and a delightful grandson. My passion is spending time with my family and being outdoors, engaged in many activities as well as just sitting quiet in nature.
I pursued a career in psychology because of my endless curiosity to listen, learn and find solutions that can enable others to thrive. While in university I worked summers in a mental health setting, which gave me awareness and inspired me to become a psychologist.
Siksika Mental Health recognizes the strengths that all individuals bring and how to build self-awareness from a growth mindset. Distress and daily challenges are seen as something to overcome with strategies and determination.
Brittany Travis – Registered Psychologist
Brittany is a Registered Psychologist who has been practicing with Indigenous clients since 2011. Brittany started her career working in isolated First Nation communities in northern Alberta and has been working in Siksika since 2020, she predominantly works with school-age populations, at Chief Old Sun School and Siksika Nation High School. Brittany is a compassionate, creative, client-focused psychologist who enjoys collaborating with her clients while blending evidence-based therapeutic principles and strategies that meet her client’s needs. Brittany draws techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and play therapy. Her areas of interest include depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief with children, adolescents and adults.
Brittany chose a career in counselling psychology in order to positively impact the lives of youth by assisting them in overcoming various obstacles, including mental health concerns, familial disputes, school difficulties, and societal pressures. By offering encouragement, direction, and techniques for coping, Brittany aims to foster resilience and empower young people to achieve their maximum potential. Brittany strongly believes in supporting young people as they navigate their challenges, recognizing that they are the future and deserve the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Cultural sensitivity and trust are vital aspects of Siksika Mental Health Services. Mental health therapists prioritize cultural competence, respecting and understanding the unique cultural context of the Siksika Nation members, and incorporating traditional healing methods and practices when requested. Our team of mental health therapists is committed to maintaining confidentiality and building trust with clients by establishing a secure environment in which individuals feel at ease seeking assistance and discussing their concerns. Our goal is to create a non-judgmental and accepting atmosphere that enables anyone seeking counselling services to access the support they need without fear of stigma.
Katrina Hewton-Backfat
Oki, my name is Katrina, and I am a registered Psychologist. My Blackfoot name is Ni’tainahmahakii (One Gun Woman) and it was passed down to me by my late aunt, Esther, who was named by Mark Wolfleg. My grandparents are Philip and Jean Backfat, I have 4 sisters and I have Irish and Scottish heritage on my dad’s side. I was born and raised in Calgary, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Counselling degree at City University of Seattle.
I pursued a career in counselling because I have lived and witnessed the impacts of trauma within our communities. I have always had an interest in mental health and believe that one of my gifts is to walk alongside individuals in their healing journey. I believe that it is important for there to be representation of Indigenous psychologists, especially working with the youth. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to witness the strengths and immense gifts that our people have through my work.
Dr. Quintina Bearchief-Adolpho
Oki, nisto’akoaka Naatoyaimoniisaakii, also known as Dr. Quintina Bearchief-Adolpho, PhD. My parents are the late Clement and Theresa Bear-Chief. I’ve been married to Robert Kaanoiakapuuwai Adolpho for twenty-eight years, and together, we have six children and six grandchildren.
My bachelor’s degree is in Human Development. My first master’s degree is in School Counseling and the other is in School Psychology. My PhD is in Counseling Psychology. I have worked in the profession of counselling and psychology for over twenty years. I also served my nation as a council member for Siksika Nation Chief and Council. I’m currently the Mental Health and Wellness Clinical Team Leader for Siksika Health Services. As the Clinical Team Leader, I am responsible for developing the Mental Health Counselling Services for the Nation.
I grew up hearing Blackfoot stories and have utilized the lessons taught in these stories to guide my life personally and professionally. One story I consistently use in my life is about the sun and the moon. Essentially, the story teaches that the Father, represented by the Sun, rises every day on the horizon in the east and sets every evening on the horizon on the west, unvarying in His course from day to day and year to year. He is stable, unchangeable, reliable, and predictable. The Mother, represented by the Moon, changes each day. She waxes and wanes. She does not just move from east to west, but the moonrise also constantly moves in the opposite direction from west to east. Every day She reappears further to the east before beginning Her movement to the west. The sun and moon work together for us to exist on earth. We learn from the sun and moon that we each have a vital role to play, making it important for all of us to work together. When we work together, harmony takes place.
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Made in Siksika: Siksika Health Services’ Telly James Hunt new Calgary Hitmen In-arena Host
Leave a CommentTelly James Hunt and predecessor Joe McFarland sharing a special time at their first and last games. Telly Hunt has played an important role in his time at Siksika Health Services serving across multiple teams and as a friendly face in the community. More recently Telly has had the honor to join the Calgary Hitmen and the rest of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) as the new In-arena host for our friends the Calgary Hitmen.
In his own words a Q and A with Telly.
1. So what’s your new role? What is the title, and what’s involved?
My role new role with the Calgary Hitmen is called the “In-Arena Host” which is part of the “Game Presentation” department, I’m the guy that’s in the crowd, or in the “bowl” which is the “In-Arena” part and I’m a Host, so before puck drop, I tell the audience what kind of sponsor promos or games we will be playing that day and basically what they can expect from the game that includes fan participation. I just usually say I’m the Hitmen Hype Man.
I am the Hitmen In-Arena Host for the Calgary Hitmen, so, I’m dedicated to all their home games. However, sometimes life happens, and a host can’t be there for a game or two and host from other CSEC teams will fill in. I’ve already filled in as a host for the Calgary Wranglers a couple times.
2. How’s it going so far? What do you enjoy about it?Overall I think it’s going well. I tend to be very hard on myself and I focus on every little mistake I make, however, there is a lot going on behind the scenes and can be fast paced so I’m trying not to let the mistakes get to me, because if I get stuck there, it will have a domino effect on everything else that’s to come. So, learning how to forgive myself in the moment is a big lesson.
What I enjoy about it? The Hitmen fans! They’ve been very welcoming and encouraging to me. I get to know the season ticket holders and it’s really cool to see the youth out there. Sometimes, it might be their only event out and I like to think that the Game Presentation team helps to enhance their Hitmen game experience and that it’ll become a tradition to come out to games and when they become parents they bring their kids out to
Also, The team, of course! I couldn’t do what I do without the Director, Stage Managers, and the Promo Team. Shout out to Aaron, Maddie, Erica, Jill, Nic, Oscar, Maggie, Michael, Ashlyn, Laine, Astin, Farley and friends, the rest of the Game Presentation team upstairs and sorry to anyone I forgot. But it’s a fun team to work with.
3. When/how can people come see you in your new role?
They can come to any Hitmen home game at the Scotiabank Saddledome. I’m usually trying to figure out where I’m supposed to be so if you want to say hi when I’m walking by just call out my name.
4. Anything else you’d like to say about your new role?I want to thank the Hitmen and the Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation for giving an unknown, like me, an opportunity to be the In-Arena host. I think I got the practice from emceeing Siksika Health events so, of course thanks to Dr. Tyler White and Community Wellness for putting on the spot to do those things and really helping me cut me teeth.
I also want to say that I don’t think I’m a big deal, at all. To me, I will always be that outcast from Siksika who never fit in and just sort of made his own way. I’ve dealt with loss and know what it’s like out there for an indigenous person. Through everything that’s happened I developed stage fright and a fear of public speaking which is why I haven’t done it in a few years, but I’m determined to overcome it. So, I guess I want to encourage people to continue to build yourself up in a good way. But it does require you to take steps and not wait for an opportunity to be handed to you. Growing up people would make me feel like nothing, well, if I am nothing then that means if I can do you anyone can do it.
Remember, there’s blessing in every lesson and a lesson in every blessing. Eugene Brave Rock told me that.
Siksika Health Services CEO Dr. Tyler White and Telly at his first game as host Telly we wish you all the best in this new endeavor and are so grateful that you continue to be a part of our team.
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Service Closure: X-ray Services Temporarily Suspended
Leave a CommentSiksika Health Services will be temporarily suspending X-ray services at the Siksika Health and Wellness Centre (SHWC).
The closure is due to a staffing change, as our long-term Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologist (CLXT) has retired.
We look forward to the eventual resumption of our X-ray services as soon as possible. In the meantime, some of the nearest options for X-ray services include:
Strathmore Hospital – X-rays are available by walk in. No need to make an appointment. Services are available from 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Doctors will need to use AHS requisitions for Connect Care numbers.
Frontier Diagnostics – Appointments Only. Located at 231 2nd Ave Strathmore, AB. Please call 403-983-9998 for an appointment.
Bassano Hospital – X-rays are not available until after December 1. Hours are 8:30-12:00pm and 1:00-3:00pm Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Doctors will need to use AHS requisitions for Connect Care numbers.
Laboratory and monthly ultrasound services will continue to be available ongoing at the Siksika Health & Wellness Centre, by appointment. Nation members can schedule lab and ultrasound appointments by calling 403-734-5667.
From the lab assistants that take samples to the laboratory technologists that analyze them, many of the workers who staff Canada’s labs are in short supply. During this time, we will continue our diligent search for a technologist. For those who might be interested in working with Siksika Health Services’ diagnostic services, most specifically those qualified in the area of X-ray technologies, we invite you to contact our HR department at recruitment@siksikahealth.com.
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Calgary Hitmen and Siksika enjoy preseason contest despite loss
Leave a CommentThe Deerfoot Sportsplex was jam packed with over 500+ in attendance for the Calgary Hitmen’s annual preseason classic in Siksika. The evening began with a family friendly tailgate celebration in the east parking lot featuring games, music, and a barbeque for the first 150 fans. Special door prizes were given off and Hitmen game worn jerseys were top prizes for free draws.
The match up between the Hitmen and Red Deer Rebels seen the Calgary taking the lead early in the first when d-man Wyatt Pisarczyk broke the scoreless tie on the powerplay. Once the 2nd period began the teams traded goals back and forth up to 4-4 into overtime. shortly into the bonus frame Red Deer Rebels Dwayne Jean Jr delivered the game winner.
Following the game both teams were treated to a traditional and a special culture sharing opportunity.
The wildly exciting game was the first of three games through a tour of Indian Country in Alberta. Calgary has an away stop in Enoch against the Edmonton Oil Kings and will host Lethbridge in Tsuut’ina later this week. Siksika Health Services wishes our friends and partners a successful year as they continue their journey.
The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club, Siksika Family Services, and Siksika Health Services partnered together in delivering much needed school supplies for Siksika Nation members and 50/50 proceeds from the game will benefit Siksika Minor Sports.
Siksika Health Services would like to thank The Calgary Hitmen, and all others who helped make the evening and partnership what it is today.
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Wildfire Smoke in Siksika Prompts Special Air Quality Statement
Leave a CommentDuring an Air Quality Event
During an air quality event, all individuals living in or travelling within the affected area are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with poor air quality conditions.
- If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke or otherwise in need of immediate medical attention, dial 9-1-1
- Individuals with respiratory conditions (such as COPD and asthma), and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions (such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure), may notice a worsening of symptoms, due to the poor air quality conditions. These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions recommended by their physicians if a worsening of symptoms occurs.
- Children and elderly are also at higher risk of health impacts from air pollution
- Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse. Health Link is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll free.
Exposed individuals who are otherwise healthy may have the following symptoms when exposed to wildfire smoke:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Increased mucus production in the nose or throat
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially during exercise
- Headache
Individuals are advised to take the following precautions to reduce exposure and risk:
- Close all outside windows and doors, including attached garage doors.
- Turn down furnace thermostats and furnace fans to the minimum setting. Do not attempt to extinguish pilot light.
- If you have an air-conditioner, keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
- Avoid running fans, such as “whole-house fans” or “fresh air ventilation systems”, that bring more smoky outdoor air inside.
- Switch all floor registers to closed position.
- Close fireplace dampers on wood burning fireplaces.
- Do not use wood burning fireplace, wood stoves or other smoke-producing appliances or features, including candles.
- If you must drive to another location, keep windows and vents closed. Run car fans on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air. Vehicles should not be used as a means for shelter.
- Reduce levels of physical activity, as necessary, to decrease the inhalation of airborne pollutants.
- Do not smoke tobacco – smoking puts added stress on your lungs and those around you.
- Drink plenty of water to keep the nose and mouth moist
- Residents are reminded not to use backyard fire pits or fire boxes in parks when the air quality is poor.
- If you have room air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, turn them on. Don’t use air cleaners that may produce ozone. For portable air cleaners, follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for changing the filter, where to place the device, and the size of room it’s meant to be used in.
Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.
For wildfires resources including emergency planning kits, home guidance, and mental health support, visit ahs.ca/wildfires.
