Safe transport from Strathmore Hospital to Siksika

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Siksika Nation members who are brought to Strathmore for medical treatment will now have a safe way home.

A problem for some people living in Siksika Nation is they are brought to the Strathmore Hospital via ambulance, but once discharged, lack a way home. To address this issue, a new policy has been developed to provide them a safe transportation option to return to Siksika.

The policy, developed by the Town of Strathmore and Siksika Nation, provides transport for Nation members between the Strathmore Hospital and Siksika Shelter, explained Catherine Walsh, the town’s community and social development manager.

Strathmore town council approved $1,500 in support of this initiative from the Smile Cookie Campaign Fund through Strathmore Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). The funding will be matched by Siksika Nation Chief and Council, which will consider the item at a future meeting.

The agreement follows a similar arrangement established earlier this month, in which the Strathmore RCMP will transport Nation members released from police custody to Siksika Nation Shelter in inclement weather or if there are special concerns about their safety.

The overall program is still in development. The town is seeking a taxi service that can provide support for wheelchairs or people experiencing other disabilities.

The program will be reviewed quarterly. Providing transportation to other locations in Siksika, given its large size, could be assessed during one of these reviews, according to Strathmore town Councillor Denise Peterson.