Alberta Health services offering translation services for indigenous languages

Alberta Health Services is now offering interpretation services in 23 Indigenous languages, available to all patients receiving care from AHS health care teams.

Indigenous translation services are now available in the following languages: Algonquian, Blackfoot, Chipewyan, Cree – James Bay, Cree – Moose, Cree – Plains, Cree – Swampy, Cree – Woodlands, Dakota, Dene, Dogrib, Ojibway, Inuinnaqtun Inuktitut, Michif, Micmac, Mohawk, North Slavey, Oji-Cree, Salish, Salteaux, Slavey, Slavey South, Tsilhqotin.

“AHS is committed to providing culturally safe, accessible healthcare to all patients as an integral part of patient-centred care. We are also called upon in the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action to incorporate traditional healing practices for Indigenous patients and families into western medicine. Providing care in a person’s language allows clients to actively participate in the decision-making process, provide informed consent and ensure safe and effective communication between client, families and all members of the healthcare team. This is just one more way AHS is improving access to culturally safe care for Indigenous peoples,” The provincial health authority states.

Indigenous languages are now offered in addition to the more than 240 languages also offered for interpretation through Health Link 811 at all AHS sites. Interpreter availability may vary based on rarity of language, call volumes, and time of day. Translation of written patient-related records or educational materials is also available.

For more information, visit Indigenous Languages Interpretation & Translation Services.