Elbow River Healing Lodge

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Big News for AFCC! 🎉

The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary has officially moved out of our main downtown location and into two new homes — strengthening how we serve community in 2026 and beyond.

🏢 Our Administration & Core Operations have relocated to Flamingo Block — 299 11 St SE, Calgary.
Stay tuned for an open house announcement soon!

🤝 Our Outreach Team & Programming
Have moved into a beautiful new space in Sunalta at 1944 10 Ave SW — alongside our incredible outreach partners. This welcoming, culturally grounded hub will continue to provide housing supports, navigation, cultural connection, and basic needs support — ensuring a “no wrong door” approach to care. Outreach services begin welcoming community at 9:00 AM on January 15.

Through this transition, our team continues to meet people where they are, ensuring continuity of care, dignity, and connection for everyone we serve.

We are excited for all that 2026 holds for our community, our partners, and the families we walk alongside. Stay tuned for more celebrations and open house events are coming soon! Thank you to all our partners and here’s to the best year ever!

🧡Many Nations. One Family.

04/01/2026

04/01/2026

Shelley Dymond has been making ribbon skirts as part of reconnecting with her culture.

What began as a gift for her mother grew into a practice that has grounded her, connected her with community, and helped her find her voice again.

Ribbon skirts hold a deep cultural and spiritual significance. Their patterns and styles are unique to the individual. Each skirt carries its own story, wisdom, and teachings.

“Sewing ribbon skirts really grounds me back into my culture and helps me to have more positive and intentional thoughts,” says Dymond.

Dymond works as a Resource & Project Development Coordinator and Psychological First Aid for Indigenous Communities Facilitator with Recovery Alberta.

“It empowers me. It gives me strength. It gives me a voice that I don’t think I’ve had since I was a child.”

January 4 is Ribbon Skirt Day, which recognizes the importance of cultural expression, belonging, and safety in everyday spaces, including workplaces and care settings.

04/01/2026

Have you recently lost an immediate family member and are struggling with funeral expenses? The Benevolence Fund is here to help eligible Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government / Métis Nation of Alberta during difficult times.

Who Can Apply?
• You, or the deceased, must be a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government/Métis Nation of Alberta.
• You must be an immediate family member of the deceased (spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling), or identified as next of kin.
• You are responsible for funeral costs and facing financial hardship.

Important Details:
• Applications must be submitted within 4 months of the passing.
• Payment goes directly to the applicant (not to the estate or funeral home).
• Only one application per deceased family member will be approved.
• Processing takes approximately six weeks after all documents are received.

Required Documents:
• Copy of the applicant’s or deceased’s Otipemisiwak Métis Government/Métis Nation of Alberta citizenship.
• Copy of the Death Certificate.

Apply today or learn more: https://albertametis.com/programs-services/health/community-wellness/benevolence-fund/

Call: 780-455-2200
Email: SSN@metis.org

24/12/2025

Wishing you a restful holiday season. With love from all of us at Elbow River Healing Lodge.
💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️🎄🎁🎄❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚

The office will be closed on Dec 25, 26, 31, and Jan 1 & 2.

13/12/2025

Oki Siksika!

Christmas Turkey Giveaway for Siksika Nation Members

Pick up your holiday hamper with all the fixings. Each hamper includes a 12–15 lb turkey, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, onions and celery.

Pick-up dates and locations:
• Dec. 15 & 16: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Siksika Piiksapi Memorial Arbour
• Dec. 17 & 18: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Sunalta Community Association – HUB, 1627 10th Ave SW, Calgary (across from Sunalta Train Station)

For inquiries: Call Siksika Support Centre at 403-734-5700

I’taamomahkatoyiiksistsikomi Siksika. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

https://siksikanation.com/siksika-nation-tribal-administration-turkey-giveaway/

10/12/2025

❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️