Siksika Health Fair
Oki!
Our 21st Annual Siksika Health Fair will take place June 13-14 at the Deerfoot Sportsplex. This year’s theme is Minipookaiks “Precious Children”
Learn, connect and engage with our departments and partners in health and wellness.
2023 Siksika Health Fair Program
Health Technology
Day 1 of the Siksika Health Fair begins on Tuesday June 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m at the Deerfoot Sportsplex. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Gitxsan advocate for child welfare
Cindy Blackstock, OC, social worker, author, professor, advocate (born 1964 in Burns Lake, BC). Blackstock is a nationally and internationally respected advocate for the rights of Indigenous children. She co-founded the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society in 1998. Later, Blackstock led the organization’s case against the federal government from 2007–16. The Caring Society argued child welfare services provided to First Nations children and families on-reserve were discriminatory and flawed. Blackstock and the Caring Society continue to work toward improving child and family services for Indigenous children across Canada.
Lisa Bowes, author of the children’s book series, “Lucy Tries Sports”
A pioneer in Canadian broadcasting, Lisa Bowes is an award-winning sports journalist and media consultant based in Calgary, Alberta. A Physical Education graduate from Western University, she is a passionate advocate for youth physical activity and reading literacy.
Following the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, where she covered women’s hockey, Lisa began work on the best selling “Lucy Tries Sports” book series which encourages children to be active and persevere. The 6th title in the series “Lucy Tries Baseball” was released in April 2023.
Dungeon Wrestling Presents: Healthmania!
We are proud to bring Dallas Hart’s wrestling promotion, Dungeon Wrestling to Siksika Health Fair for Healthmania! This event will feature two exhibition matches from fan favourites. The event will be MC’d by our friends Rob Kerr and Justin Rambaransingh.
St. Pauls Indian Residential School Scrapbook Repatriation Ceremony
McGill University currently has in its custody a scrapbook that was made by students at the St Paul’s Indian Residential School, Blood Reserve, for the students at All Saints School, Aklavik.
McGill is returning it to the Blackfoot Confederacy as an act of reconciliation. This repatriation ceremony will place in a manner that accords with the Siksika Nation’s traditions and protocols for repatriating sacred materials.
The scrapbook will return to the Blood Tribe after the ceremony.
Calgary Flames Alumni
Former players Mike Commodore, Tim Hunter, Jamie Macoun and Colin Patterson will be signing autograph cards and will be taking photos at the Deerfoot Sportsplex Arena area from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will also join Rob Kerr on-stage for a hot stove session from 12:00 to 1:00.
Mental Health Day takes place on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Deerfoot Sportsplex. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Keynote Speaker:
Chris Koch, Renowned Motivational Speaker
Chris Koch doesn’t let limitations or obstacles stand in his way. Despite being born without arms and legs, Koch grew up like any other small-town kid — playing road hockey, causing mischief at school, and helping out on his family farm. Neither he or his family treated his disability like a tragedy, and instead used it to fuel his dreams. Today, Koch is a motivational speaker who inspires his audiences to continually challenge themselves and build the life they dream of.
Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Koch was raised in the small farming and ranching community of Nanton, Alberta. Early on, he learned that he would not be raised with pity or sympathy. Sure, he had to do things a little differently and some tasks took him a little longer to complete than others, but he was determined to be just like the rest and was always treated just like the rest. After all, he still had a good head on his shoulders and with that, anything is possible.
Koch loves sharing his story and spreading his message of, “If I Can…” An avid traveler, marathoner, and farmer, his presentation reflects his full life. Simply put, Koch says, if I can do what I’ve done so far in my life, what’s stopping others from doing the same?
Sensational Path Sensory Bus
The Sensational Path Sensory Bus is equipped with specialized sensory equipment to create a fun and safe space for learning and sensorimotor development.
Facilitators
Desi
Lindstrom
Ah’kaa’yi’saapi Prevention/ Early Intervention
Dez Lindstrom (Shebobman) is an Anishnabe from Thunder Bay, Ontario. His 20-year social work career has included work in addictions, family violence and cultural support. Dez is currently employed at Ah’kaa’yi’saapi Prevention/ Early Intervention. He is also a Clinical Master of Social Work student at the University of Calgary.
Dr. Pearl
Yellow Old Woman-Healy
Dr. Pearl Yellow Old Woman- Healy is a member of the Siksika Nation and is a mother of neurodivergent children. She has worked in private, provincial, and federal school systems as a special education teacher for over 20 years. She is a PhD graduate of the Community Health Sciences Program specializing in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from the University of Calgary. Her community- based research focused on Siksikaitsitapi informed health and wellness for Siksika children with extraordinary needs. Her life experiences, advocacy work and community engagement demonstrate her passion in building relationships, fostering connections, and deepening understandings that will enhance culturally competent health care for Indigenous children.
Tyane
Redgun
Tyane Redgun is a dedicated professional who has a strong background in supporting individuals well being and a deep connection to their cultural heritage. They are proud to be a member of both the Siksika Nation and the Navajo community, which shapes their unique perspective on life and work. For the past 10 years, Tyane has been working at Siksika Health Services, specifically in the FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Program. Tyane is also skilled in Therapeutic Play. As a Therapeutic Play Practitioner, they create safe and fun environments to support clients in their healing journey. They believe that taking care of the whole person is essential and that being aware and respectful of different cultures is important when helping people.
Pam
Sitting Eagle
Pam Sitting Eagle (traditional name is Natoistsskioipiksaki – Holy Blue Bird Woman). Pam was named by elder Bruce Wolf Child from the Kainai Nation. She has completed a combined bachelor’s degree with the University of Calgary in the field of Communication & Culture and Education. Worked twelve years as a Certified Teacher at Chief Old Sun School. Mrs. Sitting Eagle has completed the Student Assistance Training Program & Support Group Facilitator Training Certificate. Pam is an active traditional knowledge keeper and is part of the High Eagle Horn Society, providing traditional services to the community and surrounding areas. Pam is also an active cultural community member of the Siksika Sundance and Calgary Stampede.
Lucy
Wright
Payotapaihpiyakii (Dancing Opposite Direction Woman) Lucille Wright is a Siksikakii Blackfoot Artist. Passionate lifestyle of creating Blackfoot designed Beadwork and Quillwork. She is the granddaughter of Payotapoyakii- Siksika Matriarch who has mentored and shared Blackfoot ways of knowing which enables her to fulfill her role as mother – grandmother and Aunty. Lucille obtained BGS (museum study, B.Ed, CAPA and M.Ed.) She values healing work for personal and collective wellness. She firmly believes “we all are given gifts and talents to share.”
Malvern
Nyamande
Malvern Nyamande is a Registered Clinical Social Worker with a Masters in Clinical Social Work. I enjoy working with adolescents, families, young adults, couples, and parents. I espouse the idea that people are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them. I draw from CBT, EMDR, ART, DBT, and Solution Focused Therapy. I enjoy Netflix, Prime and Crave. I love going for walks, being on the water, riding motorcycles and jet skiing. As a PS5 gamer, I play games sometimes. I am a holder of a semi-trailer truck license which I hope to use one day.
Tim
Low Horn
Tim Low Horn is a Siksika member who is currently employed with Ai kaa’yi saapi Prevention/Early Intervention. A dedicated and experienced individual with a passion to assist and guide others towards their personal goals, career path and independence planning. With over 12 years of experience working in child services, he remains committed to providing support, service, and advocacy for the community of Siksika. In addition to his work in child services, Tim also has 15 years of experience coaching in various areas of athletics in the Siksika community as a certified coach and/or volunteer.
Anne
Walton
Anne Walton is a Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Ann has shared her NVC learning in Canada, US and South Korea and offered it in organizations, schools, hospitals, conferences, homeless shelters and adult recovery programs. She blends warmth, authenticity, and sense of humor to create a learning environment which is fun, energizing, and inspiring. She lives in Calgary and has two children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren— all of whom she treasures spending time with. Anne loves to sing and ride her bike.
