Dignitaries from Siksika Nation, Siksika Health Services, Alberta Health Services and the Strathmore Hospital were at the hospital today to mark the raising of the Siksika Nation flag at Strathmore Hospital.

The day began with a ceremony and a prayer from Elder Clement Leather and an Honour Song from Councillor Kent Ayoungman.

Siksika Chief Ouray Crowfoot said the Nation is trying to get equitable treatment for their members.

“Some of the people that come through these doors, they are afraid to come through the doors. They would rather stay home because they are going to be treated bad,” he said. Crowfoot said that some First Nations people seeking treatment are assumed to be drug addicts.

“Our people shouldn’t come to these doors thinking that they will be looked upon like they are an addict, or they are faking an illness to get opioids,” said Crowfoot.

“There’s a lot of great people that work in these hospitals. One of our councillors was a nurse in this hospital, so I’m not saying burn it down and start from scratch. There’s a lot of great stuff that goes on in the Alberta health system, but there are a lot of negative things occurring as well. We are just trying to help restore that equity in the health system. It’s equitable treatment,” he said.

Siksika Nation Councillor Ruben Breaker spoke of the relationship between the healthcare field and First Nations people. He also spoke of the negative experiences of First Nations people when visiting hospital environments.

About the flag, he said,” It symbolizes that we are still here. We haven’t left.”

“That flag, all those that come into the hospital, staff and visitors, they are going to see our representation and that we are here,” said Breaker. “To me, it symbolizes that our ancestors are now standing and visible and are looking over our people who enter these walls in the building.”

He said the flag is a good gesture, but that it’s important that there is follow-up with actions like having cultural training for staff doctors and nurses. He also spoke of similar training with their partners at the Town of Strathmore.

"This ceremony is much more than raising a flag. It’s the symbolism that demonstrates our significant relationship with Strathmore Hospital and Alberta Health Services, and our intention and commitment to work together for the benefit and healthcare of all people,” Tyler White, CEO of Siksika Health Services. It was noted that today is the day before the 144th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7.