Aboriginal Cultural Helper - Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton

In 1994 the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta began a unique journey with Aboriginal peoples.  With protocols, consultations and ceremonies relationships were developed with Traditional Aboriginal Elders.  The vision shared was about respectful relationships between Western medical approaches to health and Traditional Aboriginal ways of healing.  On this page of the CASC/ACSS website you will find pictures and documents meant to share this journey with others who are interested.

Photos of the ceremonies held at the conference in Victoria recognizing the unique relationship between CASC/ACSS and the Aboriginal Cultural Helper Education Program.

Documents

• Aboriginal Cultural Helper Education Program
• Role of Aboriginal Cultural Helper
• Strengths and Gifts for Serving as an Aboriginal Cultural Helper
• Educational Assessment form
• Student self-assessment form
• Lessons learned from Aboriginal Cultural Helpers in a CPE program
• Program Approval

Photos

Bob Cardinal, Aboriginal Cultural Helper Educator; Tracy Bearard, first graduate of the year residency in Aboriginal Cultural Helper Education recognized by CASC/ACSS (and now an Aboriginal Cultural Helper at the Royal Alexandra Hospital); Lydia Yellowbird, current Resident in the education program and Aboriginal Cultural Helper at the hospital; and Wayne Burnstick, Aboriginal Cultural Helper (completed one Unit of CPE and one Season of Aboriginal Cultural Helper Education. Picture taken in the Charles Camsell Gathering Room.

Neil Elford, Manager Supportive Care Services; Deb Everett, CPE Teaching Supervisor who co-supervises the Resident in Aboriginal Cultural Helper Education; Bob Cardinal, Aboriginal Cultural Helper Educator; Tracy Bearard, receiving her certificate for the fourth season and completion of year residency; and Wayne Burnstick, Aboriginal Cultural Helper.

Bob Cardinal, Aboriginal Cultural Helper Educator; Tracy Bearard, and Wayne Burnstick, Aboriginal Cultural Helper honoring Tracy's completion of the residency with a presentation of a drum and blanket to her.

Picture taken on 07 October 2008 at the Teepee as staff and Traditional Elders begin to gather for the  Traditional Feast. There has been a Teepee at the hospital since 1995. Each spring it is put up and a Traditional Feast is held. It is a beautiful symbol of hospitality among Aboriginal people. Patients, families and staff find peace and connection at the Teepee. Each autumn a traditional Feast is held: thanking the Creator for a good summer season, asking for blessings for patients, staff and physicians and a good journey for those who have passed on.

Ceremony of Recognition with CAPPE

Ceremonies recognizing the unique relationship between CASC/ACSS and the Aboriginal Cultural Helper Education Program at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton were held at the Hospital on 04 April 2008 and the annual convention of CASC/ACSS on 12 April 2008.

• Certificate of Partnership between CASC/ACSS and Aboriginal Cultural Helper Education program at Royal Alexandra Hospital being signed by Joanna Pawlyshyn, Chief Operating Officer for the Hospital & Vice President in Capital Health (L to R: Neil Elford, Bob Cardinal, Tracy Bearard, Gary Myatt, Wayne Burnstick and Lydia Yellowbird)

Bob Cardinal and Gary Myatt sharing together at the feast.

Gary Myatt, Chair of ESC is honoured with the gift of a Ribbon Shirt (L to R - Bob Cardinal, Tracy Bearard, Gary Myatt, Wayne Burnstick, Neil Elford, and Glenda Coleman-Miller, Senior Operating Officer for Patient Care Services at the RAH)

Joanna Pawlyshyn, Chief Operating Officer for RAH speaks to the gathering (accompanied by Bob Cardinal, Tracy Bearard, Gary Myatt, Wayne Burnstick, Lydia Yellowbird, and Neil Elford)