Indigenous Health a cornerstone of PMH health services and planning 

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has launched a new Indigenous Health Strategy. This strategy reflects PMH’s commitment to working together with Indigenous Peoples in a spirit of respect, understanding, and truth. PMH acknowledges the lasting effects of historical and systemic inequities and is committed to creating safe, inclusive health care spaces by addressing racism and discrimination across the region. This strategic direction sets the context for focused advocacy and community engagement. 

Indigenous Patient Advocacy  

The health region includes 14 First Nation communities, three Métis Federations, and 15 Northern Affairs (Métis) communities. The Indigenous Health Team in PMH fosters connections between Indigenous individuals, communities, and health-care providers to promote health equity and culturally safe care. This initiative supports Indigenous patients accessing PMH services. Among other designated positions, the Indigenous Health program includes a Community Liaison and Patient Advocates who serve to support individual and communities. 

Karen Spence serves as an Indigenous Health Patient Advocate North, based at the Swan Valley Health Centre in Swan River. She has held this position since late August, and her role also encompasses the Roblin and Russell area.  

An Indigenous Patient Advocate provides support to patients and families by assisting with family meetings, reviewing and discussing care plans, and supporting discharge planning. They are part of the PMH team that meets regularly with First Nation communities to discuss health services and works to improve services, guide individuals in accessing and navigating various health services, and facilitate spiritual and cultural care. The advocate’s help to ensure patients’ needs are met throughout their health care journey and after discharge, supporting a culturally safe environment at every stage. 

“I grew up in the Metis community of Briggs Spur, MB., surrounded by a large extended family,” Spence said. 

“Once my family received treaty rights, I became a band member of Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, where I was given many opportunities for employment as a young adult in band administration. This employment has provided me with many communication skills that I still use to this day and has created a large network of Indigenous people, partners, and stakeholders. I have always called the Swan River area my home.” 

Building on these relationships, traditions, and culture, respect is central to the advocacy role. Open communication with Indigenous partners is essential, along with a continued focus on building and strengthening trusted relationships. 

“I’ve made many connections with Indigenous clients, whether it’s through daily visits or providing them with a private smudging ceremony,” Spence said. “I have also communicated with their respective family members should the need arise once a discharge has been determined, ensuring that they have the support they need at home, usually assisting them with finding resources they require.” 

Prairie Mountain Health is building partnerships with Indigenous communities in the PMH region by facilitating ‘Services to Services’ meetings between First Nations community health offices and PMH staff, including Indigenous Health. 

Shawna Mozdzen is the Regional Manager- Indigenous Health for PMH. Mozdzen, who previously served as a Community Liaison in the region, says these collaborative meetings are important.  

“This gives all involved stakeholders the opportunity to sit at the same table and talk about what is going well between the community and facility and what barriers need to be addressed,” Mozdzen said.  

“Together, we can work on some of the issues, such as discharge planning, transportation, racism and discrimination, and navigating Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) to help our clients find the resources that they need. Our Indigenous Health team is enjoying getting to know the health office staff in the communities and building trusted relationships with them.” 

PMH remains committed to educating staff about Indigenous ways of knowing and being, with ongoing training as needed.  Spence says staff are becoming increasingly aware of Indigenous Health resources, as well as her advocacy role. 

“There is continued and growing respect around smudging, spiritual needs, and advocacy services. I am always open to suggestions and constructive dialogue where people with different views share ideas to understand each other better and to find a common ground,” Spence stated.  

To reach the Indigenous Health Patient Advocate North, you can contact: 431-363-0907 or Email: [email protected]  

For more information on the recently released Indigenous Health Strategy and/or PMH Indigenous Health, go to Indigenous Health – Prairie Mountain Health