Family speaks out after Pasqua First Nation man’s braids cut off in Edmonton hospital

Alberta Health Services has implemented new training measures for their staff following a disturbing incident involving a Pasqua First Nation man at an Edmonton hospital. The man’s braids were cut off and thrown away without his consent, along with his eagle feather and medication, which were found in a garbage can by his wife, Eve Adams.

Dexter Adams, an 84-year-old man who was awaiting a transfer to a long-term care facility, was considered at high risk of falling. Tragically, he passed away just over a month after the incident. His niece, Kathleen Crowe, spoke on behalf of the family and expressed the deep cultural significance of her uncle’s braids. In Indigenous culture, hair holds great spiritual importance, and Dexter grew his hair long as a symbol of reclaiming his identity as a day school survivor.

Crowe described the discovery of her uncle’s braids in the garbage can, alongside soiled adult diapers, as a devastating blow. She emphasized that the family was never given a reason for why the braids were cut, especially since Eve Adams was supposed to be the decision-maker for her husband’s medical needs due to his dementia.

In response to the incident, Kerry Williamson from Alberta Health Services acknowledged the grave error and stated that the organization had conducted three classes on the cultural significance of hair for Indigenous people. These educational sessions were open to all hospital staff and volunteers, with additional resources added to the internal website for further learning opportunities. Williamson emphasized AHS’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and providing culturally appropriate healthcare.

Despite these efforts, Crowe expressed skepticism about the adequacy of the training provided, given the severity of what happened to her uncle. She called for a more thorough investigation into the hospital’s cultural safety practices with Indigenous patients. While an internal investigation was conducted, the results remain confidential.

Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange condemned the incident, stating that discrimination or ignorance has no place in the healthcare system. She highlighted the government’s recent hiring of an Indigenous patient safety investigator and advocate to address discrimination in healthcare settings.

The incident involving Dexter Adams serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing cultural competency training and awareness in healthcare settings. By learning from this tragedy and implementing meaningful changes, we can strive towards a healthcare system that respects and honors the diverse cultural backgrounds of all patients.