Treaty Six Flag Flies at Wetaskiwin Hospital after Historic Flag Raising

International Chief of Treaty 6, 7 and 8 Willie Littlechild raising the Treaty Six Flag at the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre (Photo Credits - Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

A Treaty Six flag was raised at the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre Facility, marking the first time a Treaty Six flag has been permanently flown alongside the Provincial and Canadian flags at an Alberta Health Services (AHS) facility.

CFWE spoke with International Chief for Treaty 6, 7 and 8 Willie Littlechild about the historic flag raising event, as he explains the significance behind the flag raising event.

International Chief of Treaties 6,7 and 8 Willie Littlechild speaking at the Treaty Six Flag Raising Ceremony in Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

Chief Littlechild speaks on the issues of racism that many Indigenous people face in health care facilities, police and local businesses, and adds that by gathering together collectively and doing something about it, a prime example shown by the Flag raising event at the hospital for Indigenous and First Nations patients to feel welcome when accessing the services needed to heal.

Treaty Six Flag raised at the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre Facility (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

Andrea Thain Liptak, Senior Operating Officer for Rural Acute Care, Allied Health, Primary Care and Indigenous Health in AHS Central Zone spoke with CFWE as she says their is a feeling of being humble to being a part of the historical moment inside the Wetaskiwin Hospital, as the raising of the flag is a showcase of change to bring to Indigenous patients when accessing hospital services in the community.

Andrea Thain Liptak, Senior Operating Officer for Rural Acute Care, Allied Health, Primary Care and Indigenous Health in AHS Central Zone speaking at the flag raising event in Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

Liptak says that all First Nations and Indigenous patients should feel welcomed, their safe, with priorities for their needs to be met, and to be vocal if staff aren’t meeting their commitments made at the flag raising ceremony to create a more positive change and patient experience.