Author Archives: Ryan Running Rabbit
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Many Guns Boxing & Fitness Winter Schedule
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Many Gun Boxing & Fitness Winter Registration
Many Guns Boxing & Fitness is always offering weekly and daily classes. A wide variety of classes for all ages means there's something for everyone. -
Siksika Community Wellness & Mental Health partner with Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary to deliver youth program
Leave a CommentSiksika Health Communications
The 6-week long youth program was a hit among participants and facilitators. The program was spearheaded by Dr. Pearl Yellow Old Woman-Healy and was designed with a focus on relationship building, friendships, social and emotional learning.
Through this partnership with AAFS participants took part in a drop-in style program following the initial registration.
“AAFS 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.” – Excerpt from www.aafscalgary.com
Programs like this provide a much needed services to this community and the relationship created between Siksika Health Services and Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary is one we are excited to continue.
“It was incredible to see how quickly the group went from being shy, quiet and maybe a little uncertain about participating, to opening up about their days, laughing and challenging themselves, both physically and socially. It was a short 6-week program, but I feel like everyone walked away having a new friend, us as staff included!” – Facilitator and Program Coordinator Kelsey Hofstetter.
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Ground Breaking Ceremony for Siksika Continuing Care Centre
Leave a CommentFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Siksika Nation and Siksika Health Services are proud to host a ground-breaking celebration at the site of the future Siksika Continuing Care Centre. Once completed, the residence will offer 34 continuing care spaces for Siksika Nation members, and surrounding communities.
WHO: Ouray Crowfoot, Chief of Siksika Nation; Jason Copping, Alberta Minister of Health; Dr. Tyler White, CEO of Siksika Health Services; Kory Duck Chief, Siksika Elders Lodge Lead
WHAT: Groundbreaking event and sign unveiling for future Siksika Continuing Care Centre
WHEN: Friday October 21, 2022, 2:00pm – 2:30pm
WHERE: Immediately west of Siksika Health & Wellness Centre – site of new Siksika Continuing Care Centre.
Continuing Care in Siksika Nation will serve the community for generations to come by supporting those living in the community with facility-based care, as needed. The future of continuing care includes the transition of the residents of the existing Siksika Elder’s Lodge and expanded services so that Siksika elders, for the first time, will have access to long term care and designated assisted living, in their own community.
“The future of continuing care will have changed forever on our reserve. Expanded services will be available so that Siksika elders, for the first time, will have access to long-term care and designated supportive living in their own community. The continuing care centre will also provide palliative and respite services while connected with independent living units and adult day support, planned for the site. The residents of the existing Siksika Elder’s Lodge will transition to the new continuing care centre,” says Nioksskaistamik, Chief Ouray Crowfoot.
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For information contact:
Jennifer Kohlhammer | Communications, Siksika Health Services
403-829-5366 | JenniferK@SiksikaHealth.com
Kory Duck Chief | Team Leader, Siksika Elders Lodge
403-901-9888 | KoryDC@SiksikaHealth.com
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Siksika Health Partners With Orpyx on Pilot Program
Leave a CommentSiksika Health Services (SHS) has partnered with Orpyx® Medical Technologies (Orpyx) on a pilot program to help prevent and reduce the occurrence and recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) for Siksika members with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Funding is through PATHWAYS Indigenous Health Collaborations, a partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., and Bimaadzwin, with the support of GMAK Consulting.
This 24-week pilot will assess the effectiveness of using a digital therapeutic solution, Orpyx SI® Flex Sensory Insoles with Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) services, to prevent DFUs. The pilot will be available to 35 Siksika Nation members currently living with Type 2 Diabetes.
“Partnerships and access to technology like this allow Siksika Health Services to assist our Nation members who live with diabetes like never before,” commented Dr. Tyler White, CEO of Siksika Health Services. “It’s about quality of life and health improvement, which is ultimately what we are after here. So, I’m proud to collaborate with medical innovators like Orpyx and GMAK Consulting.”
Approximately 25% of people living with diabetes will develop a DFU in their lifetime, with 49% DFU recurrence in the first year and 68% recurrence within five year. In Alberta, there is one amputation every 22 hours resulting from a DFU. Diabetes is a particularly devastating disease for Indigenous populations in Canada, with 17.2% of on-reserve Indigenous populations diagnosed with diabetes compared to 10% of non-Indigenous populations.
“This collaboration is the first step in eliminating preventable DFUs within the Indigenous populations”, stated Dr. Breanne Everett, CEO and President of Orpyx. “Our long-term goal is to support Siksika Health Services in building a sustainable and cost-effective remote patient monitoring pathway for the delivery of quality health care to the Siksika Nation community.”
“What is exciting about this multi-collaboration with Siksika First Health Services and Orpyx is their innovative approach to the prevention of foot ulcers due to complications of T2D with the use of Orpyx SI® Flex Sensory Insoles and remote patient monitoring for their community members,” elaborated Allison Deer, Bimaadzwin Senior Project Advisor.
“Far too many of our people have lost limbs to this chronic disease and we are excited to contribute to a project that embraces amputation prevention. Our purpose at PATHWAYS is to optimize patient care and improve health outcomes through collaboration with the private and public sectors of development with the community as the driver of system change. We are proud to support this community-driven pilot to test grassroots solutions with potential national impact and begin to close the healthcare gaps for our people across Turtle Island.”
About the Partners
- Siksika Health Services (SHS) is a leader in providing quality, holistic health care to its members, and restoring a state of wellness through accountable and efficient service delivery as recognized by Accreditation Canada since 2005. With a population of more than 8,000 people, Siksika Nation located one hour east of Calgary, is considered one of Canada’s most technologically advanced and progressive First Nation communities, including being a leading community primary service provider.
- Orpyx Medical Technologies (Orpyx) is a digital therapeutic company with a comprehensive turnkey solution to extend the health span for people living with diabetes. Supported by a robust intellectual property portfolio of >90 patents, the Orpyx SI® Sensory Insole system, with remote patient monitoring, has been clinically proven to help detect and prevent complications caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The insoles contain embedded sensors that have extensive capabilities to measure real-world physiological and physical parameters, which are then available to patients and their providers resulting in continuity of personalized and preventative care.
- Bimaadzwin means ‘life’ or ‘good path’ in Anishinaabe. An Indigenous-led consulting and policy group whose focus is on enabling First Nations communities to successfully reconstitute Nationhood by advancing health governance and economic development.
- Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. is a global, research-driven pharmaceutical company embracing many cultures and diverse societies.
- GMAK Consulting has supported transformative healthcare and partnerships for diverse populations, including Indigenous health, for over 20 years as a clinician, senior leader, strategist, and innovator. GMAK Consulting facilitated introductions between SHS and Orpyx and will be involved in the project from a clinical, cultural, and healthcare perspective.
For further information:
Ryan Running Rabbit, Communications, Siksika Health Services, (403) 361 0584, ryanrr@siksikahealth.com
Karen Smith, Marketing, Orpyx Medical Technologies, (210) 823-9604, karen.smith@orpyx.com
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Everything You Need to Know About the Every Child Matters Traditional Powwow
Leave a CommentOki Matapiiks, we are excited to host the Every Child Matters Traditional Powwow on September 30th at the Scotiabank Saddledome, here are some important things to know about the event.
Attending The Powwow & Festivities
As indicated in the poster above, the event start time is at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening to the public at 6:00 p.m.
Please don’t forget a non-perishable food item, article of winter clothing, or new children’s skateboarding shoes for entry. All public attendees are asked to enter the Saddledome through the west entrance, a map is posted further down the page as well as our Siksika Health Services social pages on event day. Parking for all attendees & staff is at regular Saddledome rates, $15 per vehicle
Some general information & photography guidelines for those attending:
- Saddledome Concessions will be open, and are cashless so please bring debit and credit cards to purchase food and drinks.
- There also will be a free event prior to the event beginning at 5:00pm, which include a Skate Sesh with Cousins Skateboarding and local Siksika acts including Jax Running Rabbit, Double Ride and N.D.N Family.
- There will be no stock photography at this event.
- When you’re at a powwow, you’re at a cultural event. As such there may be some customs and traditions that are unfamiliar to you or others who are present, yet they are highly significant. Please show respect throughout, and feel free to ask questions about what’s appropriate and what’s not.
- While you may technically be in public, it’s considered impolite to take photos without first asking permission. If you’re told no, please respect that.
- When photographing a powwow, it is important to be respectful and not take photos during prayers, flag songs or other ceremonies or when the MC has forbid photos.
- Many dancers have worked for hours to create their beautiful beadwork and it is something personally meaningful to them. Some don’t like to have this beadwork photographed, as it may allow someone else to copy the design.
- For any further media inquiries, please contact Ryan Running Rabbit at RyanRR@siksikahealth.com or 403-361-0584
Dancer information:
Registration for dancers will start at 5:00 p.m. at the Telus Club entrance (see map below) and will move closer to the floor of the Scotiabank Saddledome prior to the start of the powwow. Please be advised that there is no floor seating, however dancers will be able to sit in the Telus Club area for close access to the floor.
Categories for dancers:
- Tiny Tots 0 – 6
- Men’s Buckskin
- Women’s Golden Age
- Men’s Golden Age
- Junior Girls – Traditional, Jingle, Fancy (Ages 7 – 12)
- Junior Boys – Traditional, Grass, Fancy, Chicken (Ages 7 – 12)
- Teen Girls – Traditional, Jingle, Fancy (Ages 13-17)
- Teen Boys – Traditional, Grass, Fancy, Chicken (Ages 13 – 17)
- Orange Regalia Special – Juniors (7-12) (All Juniors as long as orange in their regalia)
- Honor Dance for the Residential School Survivors
- Adult Ladies – Traditional, Jingle, Fancy
- Adult Men – Traditional, Grass, Fancy, Chicken
- Owl Dance – All ages
Map of entrances at Scotiabank Saddledome
Every Child Matters Maatapiiks Gathering Pre-Event (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
This is a free to attend event and will take place before the Powwow, attendees will enjoy a concert featuring 3 local Indigenous acts and a hoop dancing demonstration.
This will run alongside a community skate session with Cousins Skateboarding. Performers to include, Jax Running Rabbit, MorningStar, Double Rider, & N.D.N Family.
According to Cousins Skateboarding, the local skate scene has come together to support a number of important initiatives, and we hope to involve our engage the wider skate community in reconciliACTION – bringing all peoples together in the spirit of reconciliation to create awareness, share, and learn.
Their goal tomorrow is to collect 50 pairs of new skate shoes that will then be shared with youth in a number of communities in Treaty 7. If you are able, please feel free to donate them to the crew when you attend.
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Siksika Health Services – Palliative Care Survey
Leave a CommentSiksika Health & Wellness Centre Siksika Health Services is looking for your input and knowledge about our palliative care services.
Please fill out the questions below to the best of your abilities, as well refer anyone you may know who can also fill our the answers below.
Palliative Care Survey
Community Survey looking to pull information and gauge interest to create a better response in our palliative care options. -
Siksika Run As One Week Returns in August
Leave a Comment(Joel West, presented by CCMAs) SIksika Health Services is proud to announce details for Run As One Youth Awareness Week taking place from August 2-4, 2022 across multiple Siksika Nation venues.
The week long festivities continue to serve as a mid summer nod to First Nations youth. This year the week gets the chance to return to it’s pre-COVID in-person format, which will feature a two-day youth conference, and the longest running Indigenous music festival in Canada featuring Fawn Wood, and The Bearhead Sisters, Ombiigizi, and many more.
The Youth Conference (Aug 2-3, Siksika Piiksapi Arbor)
Opening Ceremonies are scheduled for 8:30 Tuesday morning which will set the tone for the whole week. Conference participants will get the chance to take part in a number of different workshops including Mini Tipi making, traditional Blackfoot games, learn about permaculture, and skateboarding with Cousins Skateboarding.
The youth conference will take place over two days at the Siksika Piiksapi Arbor and will end with awards and a special panel featuring some of the winners. These awards will be given to young leaders in academics, culture, and athletics. Nominate an outstanding Siksika youth by July 25, 2022.
The Run As One Music Festival (Aug 4, Siksika Deerfoot Sportsplex)
The longest running Indigenous Music Festival in Canada is back for its 18th year and features something for the whole family. The festival will continue to put First Nations Talent on stage with headliners Fawn Wood, The Bearhead Sisters, and hot off the release of a 9 track album, Anishnaabe duo Ombiigizi will also take the stage this year and bring their unique sound to Siksika. The evening will also showcase a slew of local talent ranging across many ages and genres. In addition, a special performance by Joel West is presented by the Canadian Country Music Association’s (CCMAs). West will be supported by the Highway 40 band that evening.
The music festival will also run in conjunction with Summer Madness and the first ever Run As One Market. Summer Madness has a variety of outdoor activities for youth participants like beach volleyball, bubble soccer, and archery tag, & more. The Market aims to showcase local entrepreneurs and artists with a platform to sell their goods.
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Wrestling returns to Siksika Nation after a long hiatus
Leave a CommentRyan Running Rabbit
On Saturday, May 21st, at 3pm, a ring bell rang in Siksika for the first time in decades. Siksika Health Services and Dungeon Wrestling came together to put on the “Showdown at the Arbor” for the community.
The packed show featured six action-packed matches including a main event headlined by Calgary’s own Raj “Money” Singh, who some may recognize from appearances on IMPACT Wrestling, and Wavell “The First Nation Sensation” Starr. During his performance Wavell Starr delivered a touching story about why following and working on your dreams is important for First Nations youth.
This event was months in the making, but the story goes back even further than that. Years ago, professional wrestling, specifically Stampede Wrestling was the “it” thing to follow and watch for Nation Members. This is no different for Siksika Health Services CEO, Dr. Tyler White, who grew up a fan, imitating the famous Hart Foundation with his friend Jason Doore.
“At the time wrestling was very big in our high school, and many of us had dreams and aspirations of being a wrestler or connected to wrestling in some way,” – Tyler White
The admiration of Bret Hart is where is all started, to now collaborating with Bret’s son, Dallas Hart, founder of modern-day wrestling promotional business, Dungeon Wrestling. The Hart Family have become dear friends of Siksika Health Services.
Be sure to join us June 6th and 7th for the 20th anniversary of the Siksika Health Fair where Bret “The Hitman” Hart will talk shop about wrestling and men’s health with the Calgary Hitmen’s Rob Kerr.
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Cultures Come Together To Protect One Another
Leave a CommentBy Ryan Running Rabbit
The COVID-19 vaccines have long been our best way to protect ourselves and one another, but vaccine accessibility has hurt these efforts since the get go. So in March of 2021 Aisokinakio’p was born. In Blackfoot this translates to “a place where you take your body and mind to make it healthy”. Aisokinakio’p was originally a partnership between Siksika Health Services, The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, and OKAKI. It has since expanded into a powerhouse with the addition of Seven Brother Circle, the Calgary Homeless Foundation, Metis Nation of Alberta, and Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. The group has been dedicated to making COVID-19 vaccines accessible for communities in NE Calgary and in the downtown core.
In June of 2021, Aisokinakio’p continued it’s partnership now including the Dashmesh Cultural Centre (DCC) in an effort to make vaccines available to Calgary’s Sikh community. This push has proven to be fruitful with more than 10,000 doses being administered through the Aisokinakio’p clinics.
These efforts were commemorated and celebrated on February 4th 2022 at the Dashmesh Cultural Centre. Representatives from all the partners as well as Federal, Provincial, and Municipal figures were on hand for a ceremony of prayer and gift giving. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek spoke on unity and how this vaccination clinic has brought so many people from different cultures and walks of life. She says that partnerships like this are important for the community. “I’m thrilled to be here with you today, celebrating the successes of cross-culture collaboration,” Gondek states, “Initiatives like this clinic should be emulated in other places in Alberta and across the country.” Her Worship was also presented with gifts pictured in the gallery below.
Dr. Salim Samanani (OKAKI), Dr. Tyler White (SHS), Amanpreet Singh (DCC), Dr. Parminder Thiara (ISC), Shane Gauthier (AFCC), Patritica Jones (Calgary Homeless Foundation), Nicholas Thain (AHS), and Lawrence Gervais (Metis Nation AB) are the leaders or reps from their respective organization and are all instrumental in this offering to the community. “The enemy of immunization programs is mistrust,” Dr. Samanani says, as he spoke on the importance of this clinic and how it was able to offer Calgary’s Sikh community a place to get vaccinated and feel safe. This is a theme echoed throughout the event.
“There were many who doubted that this approach could be effective; we’re proven them wrong,” Tyler white says proudly. “Together, we can – and have made great things happen.” Direct proof of this was provided when MLA for Calgary-Falconridge Devinder Toor says the vaccination rates for the area have skyrocketed thanks to this clinic.
Collaborations like this prove that vaccination and strength in community are the best tools against COVID-19. “We are very proud of the collaboration between the Sikh and Indigenous communities, working together helps make the world a better place,” President of the Dashmesh Cultural Centre, Amanpreet Singh, had to say.
Siksika Health Services thanks the Dashmesh Cultural Centre for all its hospitality.
