Indigenous communities have unique practices with ties to knowledge, traditions, medicine, and ceremonies that have been passed down for generations. There is a great opportunity to incorporate these important cultural practices into our healthcare system.
Cenovus Energy believes advancing Indigenous reconciliation means taking meaningful action. That’s why Cenovus generously donated $250,000—through Calgary Health Foundation—toward the renovation of Elbow River Healing Lodge.
The Elbow River Healing Lodge, which is located in Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre, offers primary care services and visiting specialists to Indigenous patients. It is the only Indigenous-focused primary care clinic in Calgary and was designed to engage patients with wrap-around holistic care. This means that physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wellness are all addressed at Elbow River Healing Lodge.
Andrea Louise is the senior Indigenous inclusion advisor at Cenovus. This role includes taking the lead on Indigenous reconciliation as one of Cenovus’ social investment focus areas.
As Andrea explains, “Indigenous reconciliation has been woven into Cenovus’ whole culture in terms of how we conduct ourselves and how we do business. Partnering with Calgary Health Foundation on the renovation of the Elbow River Healing Lodge is one way Cenovus has taken meaningful action in this space.”
As a patient of Elbow River Healing Lodge herself, Andrea sees the great value this facility offers Indigenous people across our community: “I can’t say enough about the facility and the care provided. I have experienced such genuine and authentic care at the Lodge, and truly believe in the value of this renovation.”
Together with our donors and local Indigenous partners, Calgary Health Foundation is working to create a culture of mutual trust, which will improve the healthcare experience and outcomes for Indigenous patients and families across the province. We look forward to a more equitable future in healthcare.
Your donation to Calgary Health Foundation helps build a healthcare system that recognizes and respects Indigenous leadership over their own health matters, makes space for community voices, and integrates cultural knowledge.
