Blood Tribe Department of Health image provided by the University of Lethbridge, September 28, 2022.

By Cathy Gibson

Blood Tribe Health partners with University of Lethbridge to expand health services

Sep 29, 2022 | 12:19 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge and the Blood Tribe Department of Health are partnering to expand health services on the Blood Tribe First Nation.

The two groups have signed a memorandum of understanding to enable a sustainable model of health care services, including immediate access to maternal and surgical services as well as emergency care on the Blood reserve.

The partnership will focus on creating and enhancing opportunities for education, research and data collection, as well as professional training for the Blood Tribe Department of Health.

Derrick Fox, chief executive officer of Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc. says, “This is a huge honour to establish this collaboration with the University of Lethbridge. We feel the sincerity from the U of L in continuing to support our nation in building a stronger tomorrow for our members in relation to everyone’s health and well-being.”

The initiative will expand access to quality healthcare services, and will support Blackfoot Ways of Knowing as they relate to health and healing.

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Other initiatives from the partnership will include enhancing K-12 education and learning pathways toward health-related university programs, as well as work-integrated programs for people within the Blood Tribe community.

University of Lethbridge president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon, says, ““Access to quality health care is a fundamental necessity for community health and well-being, and through this relationship we’re looking to provide support in creating a model that is informed and driven by the needs of the Blackfoot community.”

Both parties say the partnership is aimed at encompassing the shared values of humility, respect, honesty, kindness, collaboration and strength.

Members of the Blood Tribe and the university say the partnership will work to connect the past with the future needs of the Blood Tribe First Nation.

Fox explains, “We are continuing the legacy of our ancestors, which is to ensure our members can share with everyone the gift of caring. Our historical leaders ensured in our treaty the right to adequate health care. As the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc. grows, we want to ensure we continue to build the capacity of our workforce and create a strong foundation to serve our members. With the support and partnership of the University, we are continuing the vision of our ancestors.”

Dr. Mahon agrees with that vision for the future, saying, “It’s also imperative this model is sustainable so that as the community grows and changes, the continuity of the health-care system is a foundational element that allows the community to thrive.”

The partnership between the Blood Tribe Department of Health and the University of Lethbridge is rooted in a shared commitment to honour the health-related Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

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