Traditional Blessing Ceremony Kicks Off Major Expansion of Stoney Health Centre

Traditional Blessing Ceremony Kicks Off Major Expansion of Stoney Health Centre

April 11, 2022 – Honoured with a traditional blessing ceremony, Stoney Health Services formally kicked off ground-breaking and construction for a major expansion that will nearly double the size of the Stoney Health Centre in Morley, Alberta.

“Îsniyes (thank you) to chiefs Dixon, Poucette, Young, and the Stoney Tribal Council for understanding the community’s needs and fully supporting this much-needed expansion,” says Aaron Khan, Stoney Health Services CEO at today’s blessing. “We also thank Indigenous Services Canada for approving our funding request and joining us today.”

Chief Aaron Young of the Chiniki First Nation stated, “The community has grown significantly since the Health Centre first opened its doors in 1998 and must grow to continue to meet this and future demand of our People.”

Chiniki First Nation Chief Aaron Young, Bearspaw First Nation Chief Darcy Dixon and Wesley First Nation Chief Clifford Poucette join Stoney Health Services CEO Aaron Khan at ground breaking for Stoney Health Centre expansion.
Chiniki First Nation Chief Aaron Young, Bearspaw First Nation Chief Darcy Dixon and Wesley First Nation Chief Clifford Poucette join Stoney Health Services CEO Aaron Khan at ground breaking for Stoney Health Centre expansion.
Chief Poucette presents a gift to Stoney Health CEO Aaron Khan and Indigenous Service’s Canada Tony
Rendering of future Stoney Health Centre, projected completion fall 2024.
Rendering of future Stoney Health Centre, projected completion fall 2024.
Rendering of future Stoney Health Centre, projected completion fall 2024., Interior view.

Along with a steadily growing population, health care needs, and programs now exceed the physical capacity of the Stoney Health Centre – a 215% growth in demand from 2017 to 2020 alone. The current facility offers triage, medical examination, x-ray and laboratory, meeting and consultation rooms combined with a pharmacy, optometry and dental offices and administrative spaces.

Further, Elders, seniors and some younger Nation members are challenged with complex medical needs that require and deserve health care provided locally, in a culturally supportive environment. Stoney Health can, and will continue to support their needs, as it grows in to this new space.

Along with a steadily growing population, health care needs, and programs now exceed the physical capacity of the Stoney Health Centre – a 215% growth in demand from 2017 to 2020 alone. The current facility offers triage, medical examination, x-ray and laboratory, meeting and consultation rooms combined with a pharmacy, optometry and dental offices and administrative spaces.

Further, Elders, seniors and some younger Nation members are challenged with complex medical needs that require and deserve health care provided locally, in a culturally supportive environment. Stoney Health can, and will continue to support their needs, as it grows in to this new space.

“We recognize that many of our Nation’s people face challenges in getting care and we want to protect and improve the health and wellness opportunities for our Peoples for the future,” said Chief Clifford Poucette of the Wesley First Nation.

Bearspaw First Nation Chief Darcy Dixon further added, “This expansion means so much to our communities – our children, grandchildren and their grandchildren’s health – today, tomorrow and the future.”

 

The traditional Stoney ceremony included a blessing led by several pipe holders followed by a drum circle and singers who performed several honour songs. Additional entertainment performed by local chicken dancers.

Watch a video recap of the blessing ceremony. Filming and production courtesy of Health Promoter Josh Mark.

BACKGROUNDER

Quick Facts

  • The original Stoney Health Centre was constructed in 1998 and was designed to serve a population of 2,000 people.
  • Size of existing facility: 1,112 square metres
  • Future expansion size (total size): 2,031 square metres
  • Estimated completion: 2024
  • Growth in demand for Stoney Health Services programs and services
    • (2017 to 2020): 9,606 to 30,339 clients (annual number of clients per year)
    • Service Growth (2017-2020): 215%
  • Population growth of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation (2001- 2016) is 70.9% (source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006, 2011, and 2016
  • Current Stoney Nakoda First Nations reserve population: 5,084

 

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About Stoney Health Services

Stoney Health Services provides community health services to enhance the health and well-being of Stoney Nakoda First Nations members who live on and around the reserve in Morley, AB. Stoney Health also provides a broad range of culturally-sensitive, community-based activities focused on promoting health and injury/illness prevention, maternal, child, youth, adult and elder health activities and programs.

Media Contact:

Wendy Thatcher
Communications Liaison
Stoney Health Services
Cell: 403-888-0970
wthatcher@stoneyhealth.com

 

Meet our Team: Harm Reduction and Sexual Health

Harm Reduction and Sexual Health Team

Harm Reduction and Sexual Health offers a safe space for people wanting confidential counseling, supplies, testing and treatment for safer substance use and sexual health. Our professional nursing staff and counselors are available to discuss your concerns and answer any questions.

Learn a little bit about the team – Heather, Heidi, Heila, Charlotte and Camille – below, why they do what they do and the program and services offered.

Lindsay Nycholat, Manager, Mental Health

Heather Benoit, nurse practitioner, Harm Reduction

Heather Benoit, Nurse Practitioner

Heather is started at Stoney Health early in 2022 and is the only nurse practitioner on staff. In addition, to her work here in Mînî Thnî, she also travels to Big Horn Reserve once a week to support that community.

Born and raised in Newfoundland and a member of the Qalipu First Nation, Heather has worked as a nurse practitioner for several Indigenous communities on the Prairies before coming to Stoney Health.

She's motivated to learn and evolve as a nurse and continually finds ways to step outside her comfort zone. Working in harm reduction is a new area for her so she's excited by the challenges and opportunities that it will provide

Interests? Like many on her team, she loves hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, paddleboarding, biking and camping along with her husband and favourite puppy. Fun fact: she has an identical twin sister who lives in Newfoundland and claims her career story could be titled, "Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable: A nursing saga."

Heila Lukas, Nurse, Harm Reduction

Heila Lukas, Harm Reduction Nurse

Heila has worked in many areas of nursing throughout her career, including palliative care, at a remand centre and even as an instructor at two Calgary-area universities. Fun fact, her first passion was farming and she worked in agriculture/research with farm animals, mice and sustainable farming methods.

Every area of nursing offers its benefits in Heila's opinion. As a community health nurse, she values working with clients in their own environment, getting to know and work with them to set goals and priorities for their everyday life. There is no one size fits all approach in her mind; you learn to adapt and be creative to suit the person.

As a harm reduction nurse and working with Stoney Nakoda people, she truly values when clients begin to trust the health system again and start to seek ways to improve their own health and wellness.

Heila rarely sits still as many co-workers notice her boundless energy. She's a mom to three teen girls, two cats and a dog. She counts hiking, biking, camping, paddling, skating or gardening among her many activities. If it's outdoors and adventure-filled, that's where you'll find Heila outside of work. If she's forced to stay indoors, however, you'll find her catching the latest true crime podcast or playing Sudoku.

Heidi Metz, Harm Reduction Nurse

Heidi Metz, Harm Reduction Nurse

Heidi has worked as a licensed practical nurse for 20+ years. She worked in rural health care in Saskatchewan before trying her hand at - and finding her true passion - in mental health and addictions care in small communities where she's able to engage and follow-up with her clients.

Cue, her chapter with Stoney Health Services. She appreciates the community feel on the reserve and the ability to practice her passion as one of the driving forces to come and work here. Feeling now like this could be a forever job. In particular, she appreciates the Stoney Nation's willingness and ability to allow her to be a part of their daily routine, stopping into say hi or asking questions always makes it a better day for her.

With a love of travel, road tripping, camping, hiking and snowboarding, she keeps active and on the go with her two kids. She's revered for her cookies and her ability to ask, 'Where is the Bathroom?' in four languages, no less. Her career story can be summed up by the title, "Nursing: A comedy in the making. The collections of a rural nurse."

Charlotte Sison, Social Worker, Harm Reduction

Charlotte Sison, Crisis Intervention Social Worker

Charlotte and her family immigrated to Calgary from the Philippines when she was a kid. Now she resides in a small town outside of Calgary with her husband, cat and dog and commutes daily to Mînî Thnî.

After spending a few years in Fort McMurray, Charlotte was looking to transition to a new role that would elevate her career and bring her closer to her home and family in Calgary. She found that she had enjoyed both working in a rural area and her experiences working with Indigenous Peoples but wanted to build her skills working in the health/medical field. Timing was everything, when she noticed an opening for a social worker with Stoney Health. She jumped at the chance as she felt it was a perfect fit for her next work adventure.

Working in harm reduction enables her to work alongside community members, while focusing and learning more about addictions, a new area for her to explore in her career. The fast-paced environment and one-on-one work also appeal to her.

She appreciates how welcoming the Stoney People are, and their willingness to share their culture and teach the ways of their people, which she feels help her in establishing trust and respect with her clients. She feels that she's already learned a lot, especially when it comes to participating in pipe ceremonies and sitting downs with Elders who share their stories.

In her personal time, Charlotte considers working out and cleaning as her main forms of self-care. Family is everything to her and she spends as much of her free time with them as she can. She's also a road tripper and enjoys hitting the foodie hotspots when she's in the city.

Camille Wendall-Barnes, Harm Reduction Nurse

Camille Wendell, Sexual Health Nurse

Camille (or Cami) is a single mom to three kids - two boys and a girl - and her youngest son was born with Down Syndrome.

Approaching her 30th year as a nurse, Cami's career began at a pediatric hospital in Texas and then she moved back home to Calgary to complete her nursing degree. She then worked in rural nursing in Three Hills and Banff before joining Stoney Health Centre to take on a position that provided more stable working hours that could accommodate her family life.

While at Stoney Health, she's worked in a few different departments as a community health nurse - the Well-Baby Clinic, clinic nurse and then had the opportunity to go full time with the Sexual Health program. She loves her role; the autonomy it provides and the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Simms and their shared commitment to screen, find and treat Hepatitis C.
Outside of work, her family keeps her hopping. Commenting on her lengthy career, she notes, "If I could write about my career the title would be...”I blinked and it was 30 years later”. She continues to love being a nurse, noting, "...to this day I still get excited when I say I am a Registered Nurse. It has been an amazing career."

Meet the Team: Turning Point social workers

Turning Point social workers

The faces behind the home and community care team bring years of collective nursing experience, a love of community and a pride in what they do to their roles with Stoney Health. The home care team seeks to help clients live as independently and safely within the community as possible. The team provides supplementary care and support offered by family and the community.

HeejungLee

Heejung Lee, Social Worker

Heejung recently joined the Turning Point team as a registered social worker. She may be a familiar face to many already as she completed her practicum with Stoney Health Services earlier this year.

Heejung immigrated to Canada from South Korea in 2011. Being away from home has made her appreciate her culture and language. She makes it a priority to connect with her South Korean culture whenever possible.

Since coming to Canada, she adopted 'the smartest and funniest' border collie named Mocha (in the picture).

Her positive experience working with the community and colleagues during her practicum inspired her to apply for a full time position with Stoney Health. In her words, "Listening to clients’ stories and building relationships with them is the best part of my job. I feel empowered by and have deep respect for the resiliency that the clients I work with and the community have shown. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow and to supporting the Stoney Nakoda community members".

JessicaKing

Jessica King, Social Worker


Jessica is another familiar face to the Stoney Nakoda community and to Stoney Health, in particular.

Prior to her new role, she worked for three years in Mînî Thnî as the family support worker/social worker with Stoney Health's allied health partner Renfrew Educational Services.

Building upon her previous work has helped her create some incredibly meaningful and genuine relationships with colleagues and Stoney Nakoda community members. Admittedly, most of her previous roles was supporting children and families with developmental needs, so she is eager to branch out and learning more about being a health care social worker.

She lives in Calgary with her partner and dog, Sonny, and enjoys the outdoors - hiking, camping and lake swimming. She finds that spending time outside is her surefire way to rechage.

When not outdoors, she also enjoys reading and is always looking for the next good read. She's also a big foodie and loves trying out new recipes. Send her your suggestions for books AND recipes.

Recap of Family Day Ice Festival

Ice fest brings out the smiles

Big smiles donned the faces of some 65 skaters of all ages – children, parents and caregivers – who dropped by the Family Day Ice Skating Festival hosted by the Stoney Family Resource Network on February 18, 2022.

Skaters were treated to a fun-filled day of ice time, crafts, snacks and opportunities to win bowling, swimming and other movie raffle prizes. It was great to see families and community member gather – for some the first time since the start of the pandemic two years ago.

Drop by the Stoney Family Resource playroom to catch a glimpse of the Mînî Thnî community tree. The tree shows off some of the beautiful artwork crafted by the creative hands and minds of local kids. 

Thanks to the Morley Community School for lending their skates so that many community members could take a turn around the rink.

That’s a Wrap: #30DayHealthChallenge

Jan 2022 Health Challenge

#30DayHealthChallenge inspires healthier choices

Day 1 started out with a shopping list and by day 20 participants were heading out for a brisk 20-minute walk.  Every day the #30DayHealthChallenge invited the community to incorporate a few ‘new’ health and wellness activities into their daily routine.

Community members were encouraged to submit their daily ‘healthy selfie’. The person with the most submissions won a great prize. While only four people made regular submissions, the eventual winner accounted for over half of all submissions.

Check out photo highlights below and some of the comments (at right)  from #30DayHealthChallenge participants on how these challenges made them feel.

Keep it alive. Keep a copy of the 30-day Health Challenge close by and continue to make healthier choices every day. Small behavioural changes can make a difference. And challenge yourself throughout the year to Mel Bigstony’s 10-Minute Workout on YouTube.

"Pretty energized honestly. Not as sluggish as I usually feel throughout the day"
“I feel really good about this week. The food is giving me energy and getting things prepared and ready feels like an accomplishment. Overall I'm really liking paying more attention to what I'm eating. I enjoy it better that way”
“I was even doing little dances while filling up my water!”
#30DayHealthChallenge Balanced Plate
#30DayHealthChallenge Balanced Plate
#30DayHealthChallenge Calcium Breakfast
#30DayHealthChallenge green orange snack
#30DayHealthChallenge
#30DayHealthChallenge Meal Prep
#30DayHealthChallenge Orange Snack
#30DayHealthChallenge “ I made myself some Overnight oats for this morning. Pretty proud of myself on this one. It’s banana chocolate chip”
#30DayHealthChallenge “I tried making that Santorini salad. It’s not made the best but it tasted damn good. It’s my pre-made for the next few days.”
#30DayHealthChallenge smoothie
#30DayHealthChallenge Water Refill
#30DayHealthChallenge Water Refill

Keep the spirit alive. Bookmark Mel Bigstony's 10-Minute Workout video when you need a break.

Special COVID-19 vaccination clinic for children 5+

COVID-19 vaccines now available for all community members 5 years and older.

We are hosting a special vaccine clinic at Nakoda Elementary School. All children and youth 5-18 are welcome. Any child who gets vaccinated will receive a special gift bag and a chance to win gift cards and movie passes.

SPECIAL VACCINATION CLINIC

Saturday, Dec 4
10:30 – 2:30 pm
Walk-ins welcome.

Children are welcome to drop by the daily clinics at the Stoney Health Centre, Mondays thru Fridays, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm.

January 2022 Health Challenge

Jan 2022 Health Challenge

Join the 2022 Health Challenge

Jan 2022 Health Challenge

Happy New Year!

To kick off 2022, the Stoney Health Service’s Nutrition team developed a 30-day Health Challenge. Try and check off as many healthy activities you can this month!

Download your copy of the 30-day Health Challenge

Community members are encouraged to take pictures of themselves performing the health challenges each day and then submit via text to 403-803-7601. The person with the most submissions will win a $40 food market voucher.

Free food vouchers for mamas and moms-to-be

Attn: Mamas and Moms-to-be

If you have a baby 7 months or younger, you are eligible for food vouchers from the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program to provide your family with healthy, nutritious options.

Drop by the Stoney Health Centre monthly and speak to a Well-Baby team to receive four (4) food vouchers – each worth $25 – to use towards the community market on Thursday.

Call 403-881-2725 for details.

12 Days of Fit’mas

12 days of Fit'mas

For the month of December, Stoney Health Services is promoting our “12 Days of Fit’mas” program. We will bring you short segments about healthy food choices, workout videos, crafts, and food recipes from our health promotion team.

Stop by and visit the fitness centre located above the Bearspaw Youth Center.

If you would like to start your fitness journey & goals, please contact SHS health promoter Mel BigStony at (403) 223-7878. He is a certified CanFit Pro instructor.


On the 3rd day of Fit'mas, take a refreshing winter stroll around the community

On the 1st day of Fit'mas, drop by the Stoney Health gym.

On the 2nd-ish day of Fit'mas, give overnight oats a try.

Special COVID-19 vaccination clinic for children 5+

COVID-19 vaccines now available for all community members 5 years and older.

We are hosting a special Saturday clinic (December 4, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm) at the Stoney Health Centre. All community members are welcome, particularly children 5-11 and youth 12-17 and their families. 

For parents and caregivers: Alberta Health Services recommends a 2-week delay between the COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccines for children 5-11 years old.

 

SPECIAL VACCINATION CLINIC
Saturday, Dec 4
10:30 – 4:00 pm
Walk-ins welcome.

Children are welcome to drop by the daily clinics at the Stoney Health Centre, Mondays thru Fridays, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm.

COVID-19 Children Vaccines Special Clinic Dec 4

Fitness Centre: extended hours on Tuesdays

Fitness Centre

Come Train With Us!

The Stoney Health Services Fitness Centre welcomes the community to drop by. 

Hours: Monday, Wed, Thur, Fri – 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tuesdays: 12 – 6 pm
Open weekdays, except holidays
Bearspaw Youth Centre, 2nd floor

Call 403-223-7878 for access. The front door to the fitness centre is locked at all times.

The Fitness Centre participates in the provincial Restrictions Exemption Program. All guests must provide proof of vaccination; a negative COVID, Health Canada-approved test; or medical exemption, plus government-issued ID.

We offer FREE personal training to anyone living or working in the Stoney community. Contact Mel Bigstony.

The Fitness Centre has a maximum capacity of 3 people (plus 1 staff). Physical distancing is required at all times as well as continuous masking and sanitizing.

COVID Safety Measures in Place to Help Keep the Community Healthy and Safe

  • Reduced capacity. Limit of THREE (3) gym users at one time.  (+ 1 staff)
  • Masks required. Everyone must wear masks at all times. (Please consider low-intensity exercises.)
  • A COVID questionnaire must be completed prior to entering the gym. If you have COVID symptoms, please stay home and contact Stoney Health Services to get a COVID-19 test.
  • Space ventilation. Air conditioning or windows open depending on temperatures/air quality.
  • Hand sanitizer use and frequent cleaning/sanitizing of all equipment.
  • Bring your own water.
  • Change rooms are available for use.

Long-Term Care in the Community: Virtual Town Hall

ong-Term Care in the Community

We want to hear from you. Your voice matters.

Long-Term Care in the Community
Virtual Town Hall
With a growing Stoney Nakoda population and a desire to care for Nation members right here in Morley, we want to hear and learn from you.
 
Your thoughts and opinions will help shape long-term care in the community – what it could and should be – for you and your loved ones, Elders and people living with disabilities – now and in the future.
 
Questions for Consideration and Discussion
– What does long-term care look like for the Stoney community? Current services? Gaps? What other services should be provided?
– Thoughts around a long-term care facility? What role it would serve? Benefits?
Join us virtually Tuesday, November 9 from 11 am – 1 pm.
Meeting ID: 883 0131 3412
Passcode: 997568
 
Register and attend to receive a gift. Send an email to communications@stoneyhealth.com or message 403-888-0970.
 
The town hall will be facilitated by community members. The town hall is open to the community. The session will be recorded for reporting purposes.

Falls Prevention Awareness in November

November is Falls Prevention Month. Throughout the month, tips, advice and support will be offered to Nation members on how to prevent falls at home and in the community.

The Stoney Health Falls Prevention team supports older adults and Elders to stay active and reduce their risks of falls. Our staff works with the community to improve strength and balance, and develop ways to stay safe at home and in the community. 

Due to COVID, the Elder Wellness Group has been paused. Once safe gathering is once again available, the Elder Wellness Group will provide Elders with the opportunity to gather together, exercise, enjoy a meal, learn about Falls Prevention and participate in fun activities.

Tips to Prevent Falls

Source: Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council –  FindingBalanceAlberta.ca

Other Resources

Check out Safe For Elders for more ideas and ways to help you prevent falls.

Meet the Team: Falls Prevention

Katie Kenyon

Katie Kenyon, Physiotherapist

Katie graduated with a Physiotherapy degree in 2012 from the University of Alberta. Katie has worked as a physiotherapist in Alberta and BC in rural hospitals and clinics helping people to overcome injuries, chronic pain and disability. Katie joined Stoney Health Services in 2018 and has now found her “dream job”. She loves helping people to understand how their bodies work and learn new ways to reduce their pain and improve function.  In her role on the Falls Prevention Team, Katie works directly with clients work on exercise programs to improve their strength and balance, and to develop strategies to stay safe at home and in the community. Her favourite thing about working in Morley is the people – she loves their great sense of humour and stories. She feels it is a privilege to learn from and work with the Stoney Nation. Katie lives in Canmore with her husband, toddler and dog. They enjoy getting out in the Rockies hiking, biking, paddling and skiing. She also enjoys cooking and baking, and is doing her best to grow a little garden in the mountains.