Regional Health Survey launches in Mini Thni

Your Voice Matters: Take the First Nations Regional Health Survey Today!

Get a $65 gift card as a thanks for your time

At Stoney Health Services, we believe that the voices of our community members are crucial to shaping the future of our health and well-being. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to take part in the First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS), a vital tool created by First Nations people, for First Nations people. This survey is coordinated with the Alberta First Nation Information Governance Centre and is your chance to help improve health services in our community, and it’s easier than you might think!

What is the RHS?
The First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS) is the only national health survey that is created, run, and led by First Nations people. Unlike other health surveys, it’s rooted in both traditional and modern understandings of health, making it uniquely suited to gather data that truly reflects the needs and experiences of our people. The survey collects information from First Nations people living on reserve, helping us understand the health needs and challenges we face today.

Why Should You Participate?
By filling out the RHS, you’re helping to:

  • Identify Health Needs – The information gathered from this survey helps us understand the specific health needs of our communities, including access to resources, health care services, and cultural support.
  • Secure Funding and Resources – The survey results are used to advocate for better funding and health care resources for the Stoney Nakoda Nations. By participating, you’re directly contributing to efforts that can bring more resources to our communities.
  • Improve Health Services – Your feedback helps Stoney Health Services identify gaps in services, ensuring that we can offer the right care where it’s needed most. Your voice is essential in shaping the health services of tomorrow.
  • The $65 Gift Card – A Thank You for Your Time!
    As a way to show our appreciation for your time, every completed survey will be rewarded with a $65 gift card. It’s a small token of thanks for helping us make a big difference. All it takes is a few minutes of your time to fill out the survey, and your responses will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community.

How to Take the Survey
The First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS) is quick and easy to complete. The survey must be filled out in person at the Stoney Health Centre, one of our satelite locations or drop by our table if you see us at a community event.

Your responses are completely confidential and will only be used for the purposes of improving health services and resources for First Nations communities.

What Happens After the Survey?
Once the survey is completed, the data will be compiled and analyzed. The information you provide will be used to inform decisions about health care policies, resources, and services in our community. The results will also help us make strong cases to the government for more funding and support, ensuring that Stoney Nakoda Nations receives the health care and resources it deserves.

Don’t Miss Out!
This survey is an important opportunity to make your voice heard, contribute to the well-being of our community, and help bring the resources we need for better health care. Plus, you get a $65 gift card as a thank you for your time!

The survey is open for a limited time, so be sure to complete it today!

Conclusion
At Stoney Health Services, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our people. With your help, we can make sure our voices are heard, our needs are met, and we can continue to build a healthier future for generations to come.

Thank you for your participation, and thank you for making your voice count!

Regional Health Survey launches in Mini Thni
Contact a RHS Knowledge Gatherer at 403-881-2725 or text 403-888-0970.

Measles Cases are Rising. What you should know to keep your family safe

Stoney Health Services, Fact sheet on rising rates of measles in Canada.

Measles: What you need to know

Call Community Health @ 403-881-3920 if you have any questions or would like to check your family's vaccine status.

Measles: What you need to know

Measles rates are rising in Canada.

There have already been several cases of measles reported in Canada in 2024.

Rates are increasing worldwide due to lower vaccination rates.

Immunizations can provide nearly 100% protection from measles.

What happens when you have measles?

High fever, cold-like symptoms and a bad cough start 7-18 days after being infected. This is followed by a red, blotchy rash on the face that spreads down the body.
Measles is especially dangerous for babies and older adults as complications and deaths can happen more often.
Measles: What you Need to Know
How does measles spread?

How does measles spread?

Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases.

Measles is spread through close contact with mucus or saliva (coughs or sneezes) or by breathing the same air as an infected person.

The virus remains on surfaces and in the air for up to 2 hours.

One person with measles will infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated close contacts.

People are contagious from up to 4 days before and 4 days after the rash starts.

Measles: What you need to know

How do you avoid measles?

Immunization is the best way to protect yourself, your children and your community.

With one dose of the vaccine, protection is 85-95%. After two doses of vaccine, protection is almost 100%.

Children over 1 year are eligible for measles immunization. It is included at the routine 1 year, 18 month or preschool immunization visits.

Adults born in 1970 or later are also eligible for 2 doses of the vaccine. Anyone born in 1957 or later is eligible for one dose.

Measles Info Sheet

Love kids? Consider Early Learning Childcare Lev 2 Training

Portage College Early Learning Childcare Level 2 Training

Stoney Health Services, along with G4 Health, is partnering with Portage College to offer an exciting online learning opportunity for Îethka Wîchâstabi – a two-year Early Childhood Education level 2. 

Space is limited. 

  • Online courses start in February. All tuition and books are covered. 
  • No previous certification is required.
  • Program graduates will receive a $1000 bursary.
  • A two-year service agreement (graduates must commit to working on Nation for two years.)

Questions? Contact Sylvan Breaker.

Check out the learning calendar for more information.

Learning Calendar

DEADLINE TO APPLY HAS PASSED.

Download the Application

Submit your completed application 
sylvanbreak @ g4tc.org

Early Learning Childcare Level 2 Training

Stoney Health Centre Marks a New Era in Community Healthcare

New era in Community Health as Stoney Health Centre opens it's doors

Minî Thnî, AB, November 22, 2023 – Stoney Health Services proudly announces the official opening of the newly expanded and renovated Stoney Health Centre. With an official launch on November 22, 2023, the Stoney Health Center is set to increase healthcare accessibility and services for Nation and community members.
Key highlights of the newly expanded Stoney Health Center:
Expanded Footprint: The Stoney Health Center has doubled in size, now occupying nearly 18,000 sq ft of space, ensuring a more comfortable and accommodating environment for our community.
Enhanced Primary Care Services: Eight state-of-the-art exam rooms, coupled with a dedicated triage room, enable us to offer expanded primary care services. This has enabled us to engage and recruit more family physicians and specialists and extend our clinic hours on evenings and weekends.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Services: The Stoney Health Center provides full x-ray and clinic lab services, ensuring that our patients receive timely and accurate diagnostics under one roof.
Prioritizing Mental Health: Recognizing the importance of mental health, we have added four more counseling rooms, offering a comprehensive range of services to support the holistic well-being of our clients.
State-of-the-Art Dental and Optometry Clinics: Introducing new modernized dental and optometry clinics equipped with cutting-edge technology.
The Morley Pharmacy has an added room to assess clients onsite and prescribe onsite.
Fully Integrated Allied Health Services: Collaborating closely with our delivery partner, Renfrew Educational Services, we have further integrated allied health services, including speech-language therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy and support workers for families, children and youth.
Cultural Rooms: Two dedicated cultural rooms, vented to allow for smudging and other traditional healing practices, emphasizing our commitment to providing culturally sensitive and inclusive healthcare.
Foot care and bathing services onsite. We have added bathing and foot care rooms for clients who need assistance and have no access in their homes.
New IV room. We have an IV room set up to do iron infusions and IV antibiotics to clients so they do not have to go to Canmore or Calgary for treatment.
Future-Ready Expansion: Looking down the road, we have space allocated for a community dialysis room, showcasing our commitment to future healthcare needs.
A traditional grand entrance led by a drum group, Stoney Royalty and community leaders kicks off the ceremony, followed by speeches, an artwork unveiling and a ribbon cutting attended by community leaders, Elders and healthcare partners. The doors open to the community in the afternoon with tours, a mini health fair and performances by local entertainers.
Quote from CEO and Executive Director Aaron Khan:
“The opening of the Stoney Health Center is a transformative moment for the community. Our healthcare team takes immense pride in delivering exceptional, culturally sensitive healthcare. Now, with increased space and updated equipment, we are expanding our commitment to the well-being of every person and family — fulfilling our promise to serve the community, for the community, by the community.”
For media inquiries or to schedule interviews, please contact:
Wendy Thatcher, SCMP
communications@stoneyhealth.com
403-888-0970
 
About Stoney Health Services
At Stoney Health Services, our mission is clear — to provide exceptional, client and family-centered health and wellness services that prioritize the unique needs of the Stoney Nakoda Nation Peoples. We are driven by a commitment to excellence, compassion, and cultural sensitivity in every aspect of our healthcare delivery.

Man Van Drives into Mînî Thnî on October 28

Man Van drives into Mînî Thnî on October 28

The Man Van travels throughout Calgary and rural Alberta. You can find it everywhere men go.
Find a Man Van Clinic near you getchecked.ca

Canada’s only mobile men’s health clinic educating me on the importance of early prostrate cancer awareness and overall health.

Provides men on-the-spot Prostrate Specific Antigen blood test as well as BP, blood glucose and waist circumference measurements at select clinics.

Men aged 40-80 who are not currently seen by a doctor for prostrate problems. Any man over 18.

What to expect?
When a man visits, he is greeted by someone (often a prostrate cancer survivor, who explains the test and its importance. He will then meet with a medical professional who will draw blood. Within a week, he will receive the results. If the results are higher than recommended, the Prostrate Cancer Centre will call the participant to discuss. Appointments typically take less than 10 min.

Why it’s important?

One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostrate cancer in their lifetime but early detection is key. A simple blood test many help. It is recommended that men start getting tested as early as age 40.

Health measurements (bp, blood sugar and waist circumference are often good indicators of a men’s health status and often lead to the main health issues men face, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity.

Stoney Nakoda Treatment Center Opens its Doors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 5, 2023 

Stoney Nakoda Treatment Center Opens Its Doors October 5, 2023

Recovery on our land, in our ways for a new start.

Mînî Thnî, Alberta, October 5, 2023] – Stoney Health Services is pleased to announce the official opening of the Stoney Nakoda Treatment Center, a critical milestone in our commitment to addressing addiction and promoting wellness for the people of the Stoney Nakoda First Nations living in Mini Thnî (Morley, Eden Valley and Big Horn reserves.

The Treatment Center represents a significant step towards enhancing the health and well-being of the Iethkabi. The 18-bed facility will serve as a place of hope, offering vital resources and support for every person seeking recovery from addiction and related challenges.

Aaron Khan, CEO of Stoney Health Services, expressed his excitement and pride about the opening, stating, “The Stoney Nakoda Treatment Center reflects our dedicated efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions to the Stoney People. This facility will play a pivotal role in addressing the substance abuse issues that have affected this community for far too long. We are committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery, fostering healing, and building a healthier future for our Nation.”

Skilee Dixon, Manager of the Stoney Nakoda Treatment Center, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “We have designed this center to be a place of safety, healing, and empowerment. Our team is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, evidence-based treatment and support services that meet the unique needs of our community members. We look forward to helping individuals regain control of their lives and reconnect with their cultural heritage.”

The grand opening ceremony featured traditional ceremonies, speeches, and tours of the newly opened and welcoming facility in Mini Thnî. Community members, leaders, Elders and supporters joined us in celebrating this significant achievement for the Stoney Nakoda Nation.

– 30 –

For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Wendy Thatcher, Communications Manager, 403-888-0970 or wthatcher@stoneyhealth.com.

About Stoney Nakoda Nation: The Stoney Nakoda Nation, comprising three distinct First Nations – Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney – is dedicated to the well-being, empowerment, and prosperity of its members. The Nation is committed to preserving its cultural heritage while actively addressing contemporary challenges, such as addiction and mental health.

About the Stoney Nakoda Adult Treatment Center

The Stoney Nakoda Adult Treatment Center offers a 90-day holistic treatment program for up to 18 people who are on their recovery for substance use and other addictions. It is open for First Nation members (Bearspaw, Chiniki, Goodstoney) only and emphasizes,” Recovery on our own land, in our own way… for a new start.“

The Treatment Centre provides a structured program of holistic, safe, intensive, client-centered, voluntary, and culturally based live-in treatment services.

Class Action Lawsuit for Indian Residential Schools

Class Action Lawsuit for Indian Residential Schools

Please share this information with family and loved ones.

Three class-action lawsuits related to Indian Residential Schools are currently underway:

  1. The first lawsuit is for 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗿𝗺 during certain years. Please note, the settlement for this case concluded in 2012.
  2. The second lawsuit involves 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. These students faced varying levels of abuse and received payouts exceeding $100,000. The claim period officially ended on July 13, 2022, but was extended until January 13, 2023. Payouts and administrative reviews for this case are still ongoing.
  3. The third lawsuit pertains to 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀, with a deadline for claims set for October 4, 2023. If you or your estate attended the day school listed on the official website, you may be eligible for a payout of $10,000.

For further information or assistance, please refer to the dates posted on the official website or contact 𝗝𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗻 at 403-881-2799.

Making Strides on Road to Elimination of Hepatitis C

Mînî Thnî (Morley), Alberta

Making Strides on Road to Elimination of Hep-C

Kudos to registered nurse Cami, Dr. Simms and the Harm Reduction Team for their continued efforts towards eliminating Hepatitis C as a community public health threat by 2030!

Several community members have cleared their Hepatitis C infections. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Prevention, awareness and screening are key to eliminating Hep C!  

Screening involves a simple blood test and treatment consists of 8-12 weeks of oral medication.

For more information, contact Cami at 403-803-4683 or ask your family doctor.

Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. Over time, it can injure your liver and make you very sick.

Did you Know?

  • Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood.
  • Sharing equipment used for injecting, smoking or snorting drugs can pass the virus
  • Sharing personal items with trace amounts of blood, such as toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers can pass the virus, as well as  tattoo or piercing equipment that isn’t properly cleaned.
  • Anyone who had a blood transfusion before 1990 

Additional Resources

Hepatitis C | CATIE – Canada’s source for HIV and Hepatitis C information

Five Common Questions About Hepatitis C | CATIE – Canada’s source for HIV and Hepatitis C information

Blueprint to Inform Hepatitis C Elimination Efforts in Canada

Stoney Health Services Achieves Highest Accreditation Quality Award

Stoney Health Achieves Highest Safety and Quality Rating

🎉 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀! 🎉
Stoney Health Services is thrilled to announce that we recently achieved 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 through Accreditation Canada Qmentum Global program! 🌟
Every four years, Stoney Health undergoes a thorough on-site review of core health programs and services to assess quality and safety practices. The latest evaluation took place in March.
A huge shout out to our fantastic healthcare team for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing the Nation with top-quality healthcare.
Stoney Health expresses gratitude to every Nation and community member, along with their families and loved ones, for trusting us as your healthcare team, sharing your experiences, and guiding us towards ongoing improvement. We appreciate your kindness, support, and partnership. Isniyes!

Countdown to Opening Day! 3, 2, 1….

Stoney Health Centre Expansion Opens its Doors

Starting tomorrow, May 29, the doors open and Stoney Health Services welcome our first clients into the brand-new Health Centre.

Stoney Health Services is so excited to begin serving the Îyarhe Nakoda First Nation in this new, up-to-date and gleaming community health centre.

From this location, we will immediately offer 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩, 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, physiotherapy, 𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦-𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨.
The 𝘔𝘪̂𝘯𝘪̂ 𝘛𝘩𝘯𝘪̂ 𝘋𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘤 will start welcoming clients to their bright and updated new space on Monday, June 5.

𝘟-𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 will temporarily close for the next 6-8 weeks during the renovation of their new homes. During these closures, Nation members who need urgent x-ray or eye exam services are offered transportation off reserve. Contact 403-881-3920 for information.

The 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘗𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘺 will continue to operate in its existing storefront and then the new pharmacy will open in early summer.

𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦. The ‘old’ Health Centre closes its door today and reopens this fall with a refreshed and updated look.

When the renovations are complete, the Stoney Health Centre will nearly double in size and provide increased accessibility and expanded primary care and health care services to the Îethka people and community!

We were honoured to have several pipe holders formally bless the new space as a place of healing on May 25 in a small, private ceremony. Once the renovations are complete, we invite the community to join us for a big celebration this fall. Details to come!

The new space is beautiful and a tribute to the Stoney Tribal Council, Stoney Health staff, our partners and the community who have been involved over the years.

Drop by and see for yourself!

Aerial of the 'old' Stoney Health Centre that opened in the early 1990s.
Stoney Health Centre graphic illustration

Upcoming events | This Month

What's up at Stoney Health

Upcoming Events

Iethka Family Resource July 2024 Calendar
Iethka Family Resource July 2024 Calendar
Watêjabîgê Summer Camp, kicks off July 22
Watêjabîgê Summer Camp, kicks off July 22
Rain or Shine Playtime
Rain or Shine Playtime
Wednesdays in the Woods
Wednesdays in the Woods
Children's Land-Based Learning
Children's Land-Based Learning
Iethka Family Resource July 2024 Program Descriptions
Iethka Family Resource July 2024 Program Descriptions

Weekly Events

Nakoda Headstart Registration 2024-2025
Wathtech Walking Program, lunchtime on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Morley Community Arena
Wathtech Walking Program Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays
Thursdays Elders Wellness Group
Community Food Market, Thursdays from 12-2 pm, indoors at Stoney Tribal Administration building
Community Food Market, Thursdays from 12-2 pm, indoors at Stoney Tribal Administration building
Women to Women Diabetes Support Group, last Monday of the month
Renfrew Educational Services 2024 Summer Schedule

2023 Health Challenge

2023 Health Challenge

Looking for a challenge? Whether you believe in New Year’s resolutions, January is a great opportunity for a health refresh. Join our health challenge.

𝘑𝘢𝘯 𝟤: reduce the animal protein needed by adding 1/2 cup cooked beans

𝘑𝘢𝘯 𝟥: eat calcium-rich foods with at least 20% daily calcium
𝘑𝘢𝘯 𝟦: Eat breakfast within 2 hr of waking up
𝘑𝘢𝘯 𝟧: Bring nuts or seeds as a snack
𝘑𝘢𝘯 𝟨: Drink 500 ml water before and after meals
𝘑𝘢𝘯 𝟩: Buy Vitamin D3 and take 2000 IU daily

#2023NewYear #HealthChallenge #IndigenousHealth #Iyarhe #2023SHSHealthChallenge 

Mînî Thnî Continuing Care Center receives conditional approval

Mini Thni bridge

Continuing Care Centre in Mînî Thnî receives conditional approval

Alberta Health Services recently gave the go ahead to to Stoney Health Services to start designing the new Stoney-Nakoda Continuing Care Center over the next year.

The proposed centre will provide 24/7 accommodations and culturally adapted, professional health and wellness services to 21 Nation members 65 years+ – or younger adults with special needs – who are unable to remain safely at home or in supportive living.

The Center will offer cultural, spiritual and community activities, support for families and adult day programming.

During the first phase, Stoney Health Services is seeking feedback from past or present clients, their families and the community. Contact Anne Malimban at 403-881-3920.

Meet our Team: Occupational Therapist helps people recover through daily activities

Occupational Therapy

Our Occupational Therapy (OT) program helps Stoney people recuperate from physical or mental illness through rehabilitation that concentrates on daily movement and activities. As a form of therapy, its focus is to help and provide people with the resources and tools they need to manage their own self-care and maintain their work and leisure. Learn more about these services helping community members return to day-to-day activities after illness. 

Scroll down to find out more about Sikin – our sole, staff occupational therapist.

Sikin Samanani, Occupational Therapist

Sikin Samanani, Occupational Therapist

Sikin lives in Calgary with her family - her husband, their moms and their son. Her two daughters currently live in the United States.

For some, the work of an occupational therapist may be new or unfamiliar. Sikin is quick to offer a little glimpse into her day, saying "[The work] is always different - whether it's home or functional assessments, mobility aids and prescriptions, or working with the Elders. Every day is a new one and it's filled with an experience that is unforgettable."

She also enjoys her work because of its potential to make small, positive differences in her client's lives. In her words, "Whether it's providing them with a walker or improving access into their homes, the change impacts their overall well-being and contributes to an improved quality of life. "
Sikin has been with Stoney Health for more than a decade, also splitting her time at Siksika Health Services. In fact, she first worked with Siksika and then when the opportunity came up to work in Mînî Thnî, she jumped at the chance to learn about Stoney people, their traditions and culture.

Now years later, that cultural appreciation continues to motivate her. Combined with a deepening respect for the people and their willingness to openly share the steps they take to improve their lives.

Outside of work, if she's not travelling, Sikin explores her interests in dance, music, hiking and cooking. In fact, she's currently enrolled in Hip Hop dance classes satisfying her own need for self-care.