Author Archives: siksiAdmin

• September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day

  September 10, 2025 8:08 am Leave a Comment

  Hope is being able to see that there is Light, Despite all of the darkness” – Desmond Tutu

  For Siksika Health Services, Honouring World Suicide Prevention Day means Kimmapiiyipitssin ‘care & kindness’ for one another through our culture and traditions.

  We come together as a Nation and as part of a global community to share Hope, Light, Love. This day holds deep meaning — a time to remember those we’ve lost, to support those who are struggling, and to stand together with Kimmapiiyipitssin ‘care & kindness’ for one another.

  Siksika, together, we can change the narrative by breaking the silence, supporting one another, and building a community of hope, light and healing. We can make our Nation safe for everyone to speak freely and access help. We are guided by our culture and traditions. Our ancestors walked with resilience and courage, their spirits reminds us to walk with pride and strength-even in times of hardship. 

  For all adults, youth and teenagers, our collective responsibility is to ensure you know that every life is sacred, and every life matters. 

  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, there is help, you are not alone! 

  Please call our crisis number at 403-734-1212 (24/7) 

  or to reach a therapist directly, please call 403-734-5660 (9-5/M-F).

  Hope is having a goal, a pathway to reach that goal, and the motivation to follow it. You are the future of Siksika! Your presence is a gift to our Siksika Nation!

  

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• September 9, is the International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day

  September 9, 2025 6:58 am Leave a Comment

  Since 1999, the 9^th day of the 9^th Month (September 9), International FASD Day is celebrated! It symbolizes global unity by connecting everyone working to prevent FASD and support those living with it. We can support this cause by:

  • At 9:09 am, Sept 9, communities around the world pause for a Minute of Reflection
  • At 9:09 am, Sept 9, communities around the world Ring Bells
  • For FASD Awareness Month (September), Canadians Rock their Red Shoes The ‘Red Shoe Rock’ movement began with RJ Formanek a prominent advocate for individuals affected by FASD. Mr. Formanek wore red shoes on a national stage to speak openly about living with FASD.
  • For FASD Awareness Month (September), landmarks and monuments across the country light up red, including the Calgary Tower and many others.

  What is FASD?
  Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. FASD affects the brain and body differently, with each person experiencing unique strengths and challenges.

  Key Points of FASD:

  • FASD is preventable, and prevention is a shared responsibility
  • Often called the “Hidden Disability”, you can’t see it, but the challenges are real.
  • FASD can affect learning, behavior, and daily living skills.
  • One of the biggest barriers is the publics misunderstanding. 
  • With the right support, individuals with FASD can reach their potential and contribute in meaningful ways. 
  • FASD is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD, autism, or other mental health conditions.

  If you have any questions, concerns, or stories to share with us, please call the Substance Use and Mental Health Department or the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Program, both at Siksika Health Servies, 403-734-5600.

  

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• Meet Angie Sarsons, Siksika Health Services New CEO

  April 2, 2025 3:56 pm Leave a Comment

  Siksika 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!

• Safe Sleep Week 2025

  March 13, 2025 4:03 pm Leave a Comment

  Mar. 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

• March is Nutrition Month!

  March 6, 2025 2:35 pm Leave a Comment

  Our 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.

• Successful Hearing Health Check Day at Siksika Elders Lodge

  February 5, 2025 2:26 pm Leave a Comment

  In partnership with Siksika Elders Services, Siksika Elders Lodge hosted the Ears to You – hearing health check day for our Siksika Gahsiinooniiks (Elders) on January 24^th, 2025 where the day turned out to be very successful, as we had spots for 10 people and all appointments were filled.

  

  It is known that at times, especially in the wintertime that transportation or travelling distances can be an issue.  So, after some research, Siksika Elders Lodge Team Leader connected with Ears to You representative – Christa Cloherty to arrange this first test pilot date on-site at the Siksika Elders Lodge, so our Elders did not have to travel too far from Siksika to get a hearing health test.

  Hearing health is so important for a person’s health, wellbeing and safety and as a preventative measure we are encouraging our Elders or those soon to be 65 years old to have their hearing checked.

  Our next scheduled dates are February 25^th. 2025 at the Siksika Elders Lodge, if you are an Elder or are caring for an Elder in Community and are interested in booking an appointment, please contact Siksika Elders Lodge at 403-734-5730 or Siksika Elders Services at 403-734-5747.

  The appointments on-site are about 1 hour each and we encourage arrival of at least 15-20 mins prior to prepare or fill out any paperwork, most details are obtained a week or two prior.

  The Ears to You Team follows up with NIHB or other benefits providers to obtain coverage for any recommended hearing aids and will follow up with you or your family member if needed.  However, please continue to seek the guidance of your regular physician if needed, as there can be other causes of hearing loss.

  Siksika Elders Lodge in partnership with Elders Services will continue to seek partners to help provide preventative solutions for our Elderly or those aged 55 and older to help them to age gracefully and safely in our community.

  In the near future, we will also be working on a new strategy to launch in this new year that will provide Caregivers at home caring for the Elderly, practical advice and educational techniques to help them help their loved ones safely, announcements to come soon.

  Special thank you to Siksika Elders Services – Larry and Cultural Liaison Floria who helped with this special day with transportation or translation and to Christa, Justin and Trish of Ears to You.

  What can hearing loss cause?

  Hearing loss can significantly impact daily life by making communication difficult, leading to social isolation, frustration, and decreased quality of life, as people may struggle to understand conversations, miss important information, and feel left out of social situations, especially in noisy environments; this can affect relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. 

  Key ways hearing loss affects daily life:

  Communication difficulties:

  • Difficulty following conversations, especially in groups or with background noise 
  • Needing to ask people to repeat themselves frequently 
  • Misunderstanding information due to inability to hear subtle sounds 
  • Challenges with phone calls

  Social isolation:

  • Avoiding social gatherings due to fear of not being able to hear 
  • Feeling left out of conversations and unable to fully participate 
  • Reduced social interaction and potential loneliness 

  Emotional impact:

  • Frustration and annoyance at not being able to hear 
  • Embarrassment or self-consciousness about asking for repetition 
  • Decreased self-esteem and confidence 
  • Potential for depression and anxiety 

  Safety concerns:

  • Difficulty hearing important sounds like car horns, smoke alarms, or doorbells 
  • Increased risk of accidents due to reduced situational awareness 

  Work implications:

  • Challenges in meetings and collaborating with colleagues 
  • Difficulty following instructions or receiving important information 
  • Potential limitations in career advancement 

  

  Important points to consider:

  Severity of hearing loss: The impact of hearing loss varies depending on the degree of hearing loss. 

  Age and lifestyle: Older adults may experience greater social isolation due to hearing loss. 

  Treatment options: Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive technologies can significantly improve quality of life for people with hearing loss. 

• 2024 Run As One Youth Award Submissions

  July 30, 2024 11:42 am Leave a Comment

  The 2024 Run As One Youth Awareness Week is coming up and Siksika Health Services is excited to connect youth with meaningful information about life and careers.

  TRANSPORTATION INFO (Updated August 6th)

  Transportation will be provided for youth and families that would like to attend the Run As One Youth Gala Night at the Strathmore Civic Centre at 6:00pm.

  Busses will provide transportation from 3 designated Siksika locations; Cluny, Deerfoot Sportplex and M&R Gas Station, to Strathmore, and back. Busses will be leaving by 5:00pm and will return approximately by 9:30pm.

  For more information and/or if you like to sign up for a spot, please call 403-901-6580.

  An important highlight for the organization is to showcase amazing young people in Siksika in their successes and achievement.

  This year’s iteration of the event will include the youth conference, a unity ride, sports day, and a youth gala.

  Below is the form to nominate a youth in one of 7 categories:

  • Athletics/Sports – athletes, coaches, etc. achievements in this area from the last year.
  • Careers – youth in careers of health, administration, social services, housing, public works, human resources/services, armed forces, veterans, media, journalism, business, commerce, entrepreneurs, law, justice, technology, etc.
  • Culture, Heritage, Spirituality – spiritual leaders, traditional language speakers, or practice their culture, etc.
  • Education/Academics – students, graduates, college/university graduates, teachers, educational assistants, researchers, etc.
  • Youth Leadership – youth who possess characteristics of a positive role model within the community and instill community pride
  • Honouring Life – youth, youth workers, social workers, teacher, etc.; the award recognizes an individual who has contributed in a significant way to prevent issues surrounding mental health and suicide.
  • Humanitarian “Star” Award – an individual with a disability that displays efforts that enhance accessibility, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities and disability issues and/or work that improves the lives of a person or people with disabilities.

  Eligibility Requirements

  • Nominees must be individuals who:
    • are of First Nations heritage; and are a member or connection to the Siksika community
    • demonstrate outstanding achievement;
    • are youth ages 29 years and under and/or a student  

  Deadline

  The deadline to nominate individuals for the 2024 Run As Youth Awards is Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11:59pm.

  Nomination forms and accompanying support letters must be received by the deadline date.

  Please note, successful recipients will be asked to attend the Run As One Youth Gala Night on the evening of August 7, 2024.    

  If you have any questions, please contact:
  Hannah Breaker | hannahb@siksikahealth.com | 403.901.6580

• Matrix Graduates Shine: Empowering Success Stories

  May 17, 2024 12:18 pm Leave a Comment

  Vanessa Doore, B.HSc. – Addictions Team Leader

  The Addictions program has been undergoing the restructuring of our service deliveries; the new framework includes evidence-based practices that prioritizes the needs of the clients by incorporating an evidence based model for recovery; “Stages of Change”. Rather than focusing on the immediate addiction, this model focuses on changing the behavioral of the individual to address the addiction.

  Substance abuse and addiction is an individualized disease; therefore, the treatment programs are designed specifically to address each clients’ needs. The focus is to establish a relationship with the client and providing them with one-on-one support throughout their recovery journey. This program was designed utilizing evidence-based interventions and traditional models to provide a comprehensive holistic treatment- a mind, body, and spirit focus. The 16-week outpatient Matrix program is one of the recovery programs that our services implemented to support the preparation & maintenance stage of recovery.  The Matrix Model combines a variety of behavioral therapies to promote positive and healthy changes to an individual’s thoughts and behaviors that lead to substance abuse. The Matrix program incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, 12-step support groups, motivational interviewing, and family therapy.

  We are pleased to announce that we had 16 clients complete the first 16-week Matrix Outreach program. To register the for the fall Matrix session please call the Addictions team at (403) 734-5687.

• Meet the therapists of Siksika Mental Health Services: Continued

  May 16, 2024 3:43 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! We have many as part of our wonderful team.

  Andrea Horwath – Registered Psychologist

  

  Andrea has been working in mental health care for over 10 years. She is a Registered Psychologist who specializes in trauma therapy for PTSD, CPTSD, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), Anxiety, and Emotional Regulation including anger management,

  Andrea became a psychologist after she worked through years of personal trauma and realized the positive impact it had on her life. She truly loves seeing how mental health therapy can improve the lives of others who take that brave step to ask for support.

  Working with Siksika Nation members is multifaceted due to the intergenerational trauma many have experienced. Each client receives a personal approach to their circumstances. There’s not one specific method that fits every member’s needs. Andrea takes the time to get to know each client as an individual in order to create a plan, with their input, so their healing journey is successful.

  Malvern Nyamande, Clinical Social Worker

  

  My name is Malvern, Melvin, Malv…as long as there is something like a “Mal” or a “Vern” in there. :)  I am a Clinical Social Worker and have been working on Siksika Nation with children, teenagers, families, and parents. 

  I never imagined being a Clinical Social Worker in the beginning. I wanted to be an Accountant because of my parents. My parents thought a career in Accounting would be a ticket out of poverty. Nah!!! I did not want to sit behind a desk the rest of my life therefore I quit. Then I embarked on a journey of truck driving for FedEx Ground, worked at Chicken On the Way, and Home Depot. While working in all these places people always came to me for counselling. From there I decided to pursue Clinical counselling. I guess you can say my love for people brought me to where I am today.

  People who work for Siksika Mental Health are very caring, compassionate, non-judgemental and passionate about what they do. Siksika Mental Health teams are so motivated to see Siksika Nation thrive spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. We are working hard to reducing and eliminating the stigma around seeking help.  

  Adriana Sorbo – Registered Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor

  

  My name is Adriana Sorbo. I am a registered psychologist and a registered play therapist-supervisor. I use play as therapy in my work I with children and families. I live in Calgary with my family, our cat, dog and fish.

  From a young age I knew I wanted to help young people overcome difficult experiences in their lives so they could grow to be intentional contributing community members.

  We each come to our roles as therapists with our own perspectives and life experiences and this gives the team so much depth. What connects us is our commitment to meeting the community’s needs in any way we can.

  Angela Grier – Registered Provisional Psychologist

  

  Oki, my name is Piiohksoopanskii (Singing Loudly Far Away)/ Angela Grier (Piikani/Blackfoot). I am a mother to four incredible human beings and a grandmother to my Meadow. I am extremely honoured to be a part of the Siksika Mental Health Clinic and the Siksika community. I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist and Siksika’s first mental health intern and extremely grateful to Dr. Quintina for this incredible opportunity.

  Throughout my career I have been afforded opportunities to advocate for our people and communities, including providing youth and adult education related to decolonization. As a practitioner, my priority is to support our people, communities, and uplift our youth.  I have had the privilege of working with Siksika Outreach for nearly three years and it is a highlight of my work; while also supporting all ages at our clinic.

  By using combined approaches of Psychotherapy (traditional talk therapy) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, we support clients to gain meaning and control of their lives. As a trained Accelerated Resolution Therapist (ART), we can support clients within a single session. You can learn more about ART at https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com.

  As a practicing Blackfoot citizen, I integrate Blackfoot philosophies to integrate cultural and holistic approaches of the Mind, Body and Spirit alongside modern interventions to address our complex and intergenerational trauma. Through Telehealth and video sessions, and in-person, I work to accommodate my clients when faced with transportation barriers.