Indigenous Cultural Space
Help Create a Space for Culture, Connection, and Care
This dedicated space will be created with Indigenous patients and families in mind. It will include a boardroom, kitchenette, washer and dryer, and dedicated space for smudging, ceremonies and access to traditional medicines.
Most importantly, it will create a place within our hospital where Indigenous patients and families can feel welcomed, respected and supported throughout their healthcare journey.
We need our community’s help to make this space a reality.
Your support can help create a culturally welcoming environment where patients and families can access care while staying connected to important cultural practices and traditions.
Why This Space Matters
Across Alberta, First Nations people face significantly worse health outcomes than the general population. These differences are not biological. They are the result of unequal access to healthcare, social and economic inequities, the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, barriers to culturally safe care, and geographic challenges, especially for remote communities. Creating a welcoming space within our hospital is one way we can help close these gaps.
Life Expectancy
First Nations people in Alberta live an average of 67 years, compared to 82 years for all Albertans. This 15-year gap reflects deep inequities in access to healthcare, safe housing, income stability and chronic disease management, and it means First Nations people are likely facing more illness and hardship throughout their lives.
Mothers & Babies
The infant mortality rate for First Nations families in Alberta is 1.7 times higher than the provincial rate, and preterm births are 1.5 times more common. These gaps point to disparities in prenatal care, maternal health, nutrition, safe living conditions and culturally safe healthcare, as well as the intergenerational effects of trauma and inequity.
Diabetes
Nearly 16% of First Nations people in Alberta live with diabetes, almost 2x the provincial rate. The gap is shaped by access to healthy food, safe places to exercise, adequate housing and culturally appropriate care, and it brings higher risks of blindness, amputation, heart disease and kidney failure.
Kidney Disease
First Nations people in Alberta have nearly 3x the rate of end-stage kidney disease, which often requires dialysis or a transplant. This reflects poorly managed chronic conditions like diabetes, limited access to early screening, and barriers to specialized care in rural and remote communities.
We Cannot Afford to Wait
Help us build a space where Indigenous patients and families feel a sense of belonging.