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.”
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
