Author Archives: Ryan Running Rabbit

• Meet the therapists of Siksika Mental Health Services: Conclusion

  May 16, 2024 3:42 pm Leave a Comment

  The 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.

• Made in Siksika: Siksika Health Services’ Telly James Hunt new Calgary Hitmen In-arena Host

  November 17, 2023 4:18 pm Leave a Comment

  

  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. 

  

  

  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.

• Service Closure: X-ray Services Temporarily Suspended

  November 3, 2023 3:07 pm Leave a Comment

  Siksika 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 2^nd 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.

• Calgary Hitmen and Siksika enjoy preseason contest despite loss

  September 11, 2023 3:51 pm Leave a Comment

  The 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.

  

  

  

• Siksika To Host Calgary Hitmen Preseason Once Again

  September 7, 2023 10:08 am Leave a Comment

  20230907-Calgary-Hitmen-Game-at-Siksika-Nation_Media-AdvisoryDownload

• Wildfire Smoke in Siksika Prompts Special Air Quality Statement

  May 16, 2023 11:02 am Leave a Comment

  

  During 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.

• The Blackfoot Invitational successfully returns after long hiatus

  May 11, 2023 11:54 am Leave a Comment

  

  Billed officially as “The Return of the Blackfoot Invitational”, the Siksika basketball staple went off without a hitch. The 20+ teams began play Thursday afternoon, kicking off 3 days of ball spread out between the Deerfoot Sportsplex gymnasium and at the Siksika High School. The Men’s and Women’s tournaments featured 11 and 8 teams respectively from all over Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC, and Montana. Both tournaments came to a close on Saturday evening followed by an official closing ceremony.

  Results

  Mens:                                                              Womens:

  1st place: Van City, Vancouver                     1st place: Creefoots

  2nd place: Kainai Huskies                           2nd place: Skoden

  3rd place: NDN Family                                  3rd place: 406 Natives

  The Calgary Surge

  Calgary’s newest professional sports team, The Calgary Surge were also on-site for the Blackfoot Invitational as they joined in on Friday’s opening ceremony and festivities. “We’re honored to be here in partnership and friendship,” says Vice-Chairman & President of the team, Jason Ribeiro. In proper Blackfoot hospitality Ribeiro was also honored in ceremony with a traditional name, Aapaamskoomapii, which translates in English to “Across the ocean boy”

  

  Thank you

  To all who played, watched, and supported The Blackfoot Invitational. Siksika Health Services specially congratulates The Blackfoot Invitational Committee on a successful tournament and the Calgary Surge ahead of their inaugural season.

  For more tournament info and history read more here: https://siksikahealth.com/programs-services/parks-recreation-services/blackfoot-invitational/

  

  

• Siksika Nation issues fire restriction

  April 28, 2023 10:34 am Leave a Comment

  Due to the dry, windy, and warm conditions that exist and are forecasted, Siksika Nation Emergency Services has issued a fire restriction effective April 28, 2023. The rapidly changing weather conditions may lead to a fire ban, with little to no notice.

  A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public lands. Fire permits may be restricted, suspended, or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.

  Approved Recreational Fires

  • Ceremonial smudges and sweats 
  • Private land campfires within a metal ring device or dug into the ground with some type of non-combustible material surrounding the pit.
  • Portable propane fire pits contained within designated fire pits
  • Barbeque charcoal briquettes
  • Propane/natural gas powered appliances
  • Indoor fire places
  • Open flame oil devices

  Prohibited

  • Fireworks
  • Exploding targets
  • Public land campfires

  For further information or clarification, please call the Siksika Nation Fire/Rescue during normal business hours at (403) 734–3999

  This will remain in effect until further notice

• April hosts World Autism Awareness Day & Autism Acceptance Month

  March 31, 2023 9:56 am Leave a Comment

  April 2nd is World Autism Awareness day and all month long we recognize Autism Acceptance month. In Canada and Alberta resources are available. Here is some educational information as well as resources available to parents of children with autism.

  

  What is Autism?

  Autism, also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts brain development. This means that those with autism may experience difficulties with social interaction and communication.

  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often accompanied by certain medical conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, various gut abnormalities and immune dysregulation. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are common. These conditions can impact an individual’s quality of life in varying severities.

  The way we describe autism is also changing the more we learn about the disorder. Terms used in the past and even now have created harmful stigmas, this has led the autism community to try and shift away from terms like “high or low-functioning” as well as quantifiers like “mild” or “severe”. This is because all diagnoses’ are unique and symptoms may display differently on a per person basis for example, someone may be non-verbal while still displaying better social skills than someone who can speak well. The medical diagnoses may unfairly label this person as being more “severely” autistic than someone who is verbal.

  What is the “spectrum”?

  The spectrum is a term you will hear a lot in relation to ASD and it’s referring to the range and variance of developmental impairment. Those living with ASDs may have particular characteristics in common but the condition covers a wide spectrum. The amount and type of symptoms, how they display, and their age at onset will all vary person-to-person.

  Resources:

  Autism Society Alberta (ASA) is a grassroots organization within the autism community connecting to its provincial members through regional partners and networking with agencies and associations throughout the province and nationwide.

  ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact. The Society and its partners share a common mission of providing information and education, as well as supporting research and advocating for programs and supports for the autism community.

  There are 8 main resources centres throughout the province of Alberta and these will assist in paperwork, documentation, and resources for service provision and funding. Alberta Family Resource Centres provide services for all disabilities and also have a disability database that is accessible to everyone.

  The Indigenous Relations Circle (ASA)

  “The Autism Society of Alberta would like to introduce the Indigenous Relations Circle. Rooted in respect, the circles’ goals are to bring together diverse perspectives on the experiences of Indigenous peoples and autism in Alberta. The circle is a central concept to Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island and the Indigenous Relations Circle will listen, learn, share, connect and advocate for Indigenous autistic people and families.”

  – Grant Bruno, Chair

  Dr. Deborah Barret – Who will take care of our children?

  • Part 1 Guardianship – Watch it HERE
  • Part 2 Trusteeship – Watch it HERE
  • Part 3 Power of Attorney & Personal Directives – May 17, 2023 – Register HERE
  • Part 4 Wills – July 19, 2023 – Register HERE

  Autism Aspergers Friendship Society Of Calgary

  

  AAFS, a common collaborator with Siksika Health Services, was founded by a small, dedicated group of parents who saw a need for social and recreational programming specific to the ASD community. It was known to them that many youth on the spectrum of Autism did not fit within traditional day camps or recreation programs intended for typical children, nor did they feel comfortable with the structure of specialized camps and programs for children with disabilities.

  A program was needed that would be tailored to their specific social and recreational needs; a program yet to exist where the staff understood their abilities and they would be accepted for who they were. A place where they could come and be empowered to take part in the world around them, and where they could become a vital part of their community.

  Autism Calgary

  Autism Calgary is an association of individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) striving to assist each other and the broader community so that those with ASD live meaningful and purposeful lives in a community that values them. The organization serves as the community of families, caregivers, and supportive professionals collectively striving for a supportive, accepting and understanding community for individuals and families living with ASD.