Box

100, Saddle Lake, AB T0A-3T0

780-726-3829 * 780-726-3788 Fax * 1-800-396-2167

www.saddlelake.ca * shannonhoule@saddlelake.ca



Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Non-Insured Health Benefits
Health Canada
Canada Place
9700 Jasper Avenue, Suite 730
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4C3

Email: abmedicaltransportation@hc-sc.gc.ca

info@hc-sc.gc.ca

RE: Complaints and Treaty Violation Complaint Against Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB),
Health Canada, & Edmonton Medical Referral

To whom it may concern;

I want to open up my letter of complaint referring to my treaty right to medical coverage and as a
human being, the right to be treated with respect. Furthermore, as an Indigenous person from the
nhiyawak and a direct descendent to signatory Chief Pakan (James Seenam) of Treaty No. 6 my
ancestors negotiated for their generations future protection to, not only exist but, thrive even after the
arrival of settlers. In the Spirit and Intent and in good faith, these rights are to be respected and
honoured and at the time of treaty making, there was no such talk or wording or reference to noninsured as this is popular phrase these days with Health Canada when dealing with treaty inheritors.
Furthermore, this includes treating the peoples with respect and to ensure these guarantees, the
Crown promised to create Indian Treaty Trust from any resources to ensure and assist in honouring
the treaties without an expiry date as outlined in the words of the Crown, to exist as long as the sun
shines, the rivers flow and the grass grows. Therefore, I must make it clear this is not taxpayer
monies and was reiterated in the federal court action case with Onion Lake Cree Nation and other
nations on August 20, 2015 regarding the C27 First Nations Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA) case
and was restated by Assembly of First Nation (AFN) National Chief Perry Belligarde during the August
20th Press Conference and restated by Den National Office, Assembly of First Nations Press Release
(https://www.scribd.com/doc/275326390/20Aug2015-Press-Release-Dene-Nation-Supports-FNCourts-Proceedings) stating The most compelling information shared in court was that monies First
Nations receive is not from taxpayers - they are Indian monies allocated by Treasury Board dating back
to Confederation. The Federal government has a legal obligation under Treaty to provide these monies to
us stated Chief Bill Erasmus

This brings me to quote a section from the Discussion Paper Series in Aboriginal Health: Legal Issues
published in 2003 by National Aboriginal Health Organization as a reminder of what the Medicine
Chest Clause means and what treaty means, a sacred promise:

Councillor Shannon Houle

Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Onihcikiskwapowin)

The Supreme Court of Canada has determined that a treaty is an exchange of solemn promises

between the Crown and Indian nations whose nature is sacred. The basis of treaty rights is the
promises made to the Indian nations during negotiations rather than the written text of the treaties.
Treaty 6 is the only treaty to have specifically included medical care in the written text of the treaty
itself. The federal government has acknowledged that a similar clause was also promised during
treaty negotiations of Treaties 7, 8, 10, and 11... The constitutional protection extended to
Aboriginal and treaty rights stems from section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Section 35
recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and treaty rights, as opposed to delegated or conferred
rights, and implies that such rights owe their existence to inherent human rights. Human rights are
the rights to which all human beings are justly entitled merely by virtue of their being human. (This
approach to rights is known as a natural rights approach.) Consequently, according to the natural
rights concept, each Aboriginal person equally possesses certain immutable rights by virtue of his or
her Aboriginal rights... some First Nations communities possess treaty rights. Some treaties
supplement the right to Aboriginal health care, such as the medicine chest and pestilence clauses of
Treaty 6. The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized that Indian treaties constitute a unique type of
agreement that attract special principles of interpretation. It has defined a treaty as representing an
exchange of solemn promises between two sovereign nations the Crown and Indian nations whose
nature is sacred...
(http://www.naho.ca/documents/naho/english/publications/DP_rights.pdf)

Now that we are reminded and clear regarding Treaty No. 6 medicine chest clause and sacred
promises this leads me to the lack of human respect and dignity not granted me as a treaty nhiyaw
exercising my rights to access services through the Edmonton Medical Referral Department. Instead, I
was treated as a burden, a means to cut costs, and left to feel like a beggar of wanting to receive basic
human rights and treaty inherent rights. I have felt stress, anxiety, distress, and frustration as a result
of my experience with Edmonton Medical Referral and specifically at the hands of staff. Over the
course of four (4) years I have been challenged with medical issues and the final decision with my
doctor was to schedule a full hysterectomy as my health and wellness was in severe jeopardy. As a
result of this complaint, I am choosing to disclose my medical condition. This was not an easy decision
and a major surgery was required. As an Indigenous Person in Canada, my past experience has been
continually dealing with systemic racism, stereotyping, multiple barriers, and lack of basic human
rights common to Canadians. However, as I worked with my doctor and the St Albert Sturgeon
Community Hospital, I felt supported and respected as an Indigenous person. I say this because, I did
try to access Indigenous Traditional Healing over the course of my illness and my doctor respected this
and worked with me to try and ensure success. However, my medical issue was too serious to prevent
surgery. Therefore, when I requested my body organs returned to me, so I may conduct traditional
ceremony, my doctor further supported me to ensure this process would be seamless. Again, at my
pre-operation meeting at Sturgeon Community Hospital I was so pleased the hospital supported me
and made appropriate accommodations so I could have full access to my spiritual ceremonial rituals
before and after my surgery. Therefore, the hospital had me access their in-house Social Worker and
Aboriginal Liaison to assist me and further assist me in making all the arrangements for aftercare with
Edmonton Medical Referral while I recovered in a hotel for a week. This was a request by my doctor
due to the prior year surgery complications. Like I stated, I have been dealing with this for four (4)
years and I had surgery to remove fibroids in May 2014 and after I returned home, I was shortly
rushed to Bonnyville Hospital (refused to go to St. Paul, AB Hospital) due to hemorrhaging and other
complications and it took the hospital a while to solve my medical issue. As a result, I ended up in the
Bonnyville Hospital for a month. This is why Dr. DeDoming wanted me to stay close to a medical
facility, specifically close to Sturgeon Community Hospital in case I hemorrhaged again and she could
continue taking care of my medical needs as she is my surgeon. Furthermore, I have an appointment
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with her, in her office on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 10:00AM to follow up, assess me and
remove sutures.

As you can see, there was a strong medical health and wellness plan arranged with my doctor and to
ensure I did not have added stress or anxiety, the Social Worker, Aboriginal Liaison was to work with
the Edmonton Medical Referral during recovery so I may have opportunity to heal and get well.

This has not been the case, ever since the day after my surgery, I have felt anxiety, stress, frustration,
and even cried from fear of having to endure a long drive home, in my condition, if my medical referral
was denied. This is why I am filing my complaint, as no one should have to go through this and as a
band councillor, I am also advocating for all Indigenous peoples who access these services under
treaty.

I will outline my experience and expect reconciliation not only for myself but also to ensure this no
longer happens to others. If this requires improving policies, laws, and/or making sure treaty is
understood, honoured, and respected, then I expect this nationally. As an Indigenous People, in
regards to United Nations Declarations for the Rights for Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Trust
and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Final Report, I am expecting these be used as further guides
towards reconciliation in collaboration with Treaty No. 6.

As I write this, it is Sunday, December 13, 2015 and I am feeling stressed because tomorrow I am not
sure if my hotel room will be covered by Edmonton Medical Referral. When I was discharged on
Saturday, December 12, 2015, I was informed by the hospital Social Worker, I was approved for
services only until Monday, December 14, 2015 and on Monday the Edmonton NIHB Director will
reassess by file to see if services will be continued. From what I have heard from the staff at
Continental Hotel, if they do not receive notice before 11:00AM, at check out, I will have to leave my
room, sit in the lobby and wait for decision. This is the current state of my status and in my condition,
inhuman and I am experiencing unnecessary stress. Today, I slept most of the day, and was feeling
faint and weak but I may be required to pack up and sit in a public hotel lobby waiting. This is so
unacceptable and inappropriate but avoidable if I was treated with respect and dignity from the
beginning. There is an obvious breakdown in service and/or understanding of human respect and
dignity.

I will list the sequence of events to further clarify:

Friday, November 27, 2015:
Re-Operation Appointment, St. Albert Sturgeon Community Hospital

Surgery and Recovery Plan established

I was assured Social Worker and Aboriginal Liaison would arrange Spiritual Indigenous needs and
arrange aftercare with Edmonton Medical referral after my discharge and recovery in a hotel for a week
after surgery due to doctor orders and medical risks. I was reassured, the hospital would communicate
and make arrangements so I can focus on stress free recovery.

Thursday, December 10, 2015:

Operation and Recovery, St. Albert Sturgeon Community Hospital

Arrive at hospital at 7:45 AM for 9:45 AM Surgery

Social Worker, Stacey Rinas came to see me to ensure I would be able to smudge (ceremony) before
surgery. I thanked her informed her I did before I arrived. She assured me she would come see me
tomorrow to check how I was doing and if I needed anything.

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Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Onihcikiskwapowin)

Surgery and Bed Recovery

Friday, December 11, 2015

Further Recovery and take few steps out of bed with assistance
Social Worker, Stacey Rinas comes to see me in late morning to inform me she contacting Edmonton
Medical Referral to begin arrangements and arrange for spiritual ceremony in the hospital chapel. I
would be brought there by wheelchair later in the day when Im feeling strong enough to do smudge
ceremony.
Early Afternoon: Social Worker, Stacey Rinas says she regrets to inform me she is having issues with
Edmonton Medical Referral and hates to disrupt my recovery as this should be my focus. She stated she
is speaking with a Sarah and she is asking questions beyond confidentiality and questioning a doctors
orders. She is not sure what is happening as I feel this is quite inappropriate and unprofessional. I ask
her if this Sarah is a doctor or a medical person to understand? She cant answer. She only knows she
has been dealing with Medical Services for twelve (12) years and has been experiencing issues in past
(12) months. She states she will keep trying.
3:50PM: Social Worker, Stacey Rinas informs me I have been denied services and she will try again
before she leaves for the day. She asks me to call Rodney, Supervisor within 30 mins at 780-495-2708. I
ask her to write a letter to Saddle Lake informing them of the issue we are having, as I will contact my
Chief, Leonard Jackson, Health Portfolio, Charlene Houle-White, SLCN Health Director, Evelyn Johnston,
and Confederacy of Treaty Six National Chief Tony Alexis. She brings me a letter to the Attention: Saddle
Lake Band Office. I am also informed Sarah made inappropriate remarks referring to Edmonton Medical
Referral having to be accountable to Receiver General and taxpayers; when explained I need sutures
removed at follow-up, she states I can get them removed back home; and that if Im so sick, then doctor
should keep me or I can stay at Two Hills Hospital. She also interacted with the hospital staff in a
condescending and righteous disrespectful attitude.

These comments from Sarah are totally unacceptable, will not be tolerated, unprofessional, uncalled
for, and beyond her scope of expertise or role as a service provider. I am asking for copies of the
audio recordings done for Quality Assurance of all conversations with Sarah and the hospital
staff regarding my case. My Chief, Leonard Jackson is also requesting this information also, as
soon as possible.

4:19 PM: Called Edmonton Medical Referral and recording says this phone call would be recorded for
quality assurance. Therefore, I too recorded the phone conversation with my cell phone. (See Audio
attachment)
I talk to Farrah and she informs me Rodney is gone for the day and brings up my file. I inform her I am
calling to follow up as I was denied, Sarah went beyond confidentiality etc., and I shouldnt be fighting
with them after my surgery. She informed me to send information again to them via email, as fax down,
and I get further steps from Farrah. I also inform her who I am, my band position, and I have informed
my Chief and the Grand Chief of Confederacy of Treaty Six.
That evening, I cry and feel worried and stressed, as I am afraid to have to leave the hospital and endure
a long trip back home if I am denied services as I am still in extreme pain (on morphine for pain
management), weak, and afraid to have a repeated complications from last years surgery. I pray for
help. I am in disbelief that I have to deal with this.

Saturday, December 12, 2015:

Morning: Social Worker, Katelyn comes to see me and informs me she is the new worker to assist as I
will be discharged today. I update her of the situation and stress I am feeling and I shouldnt be having
to deal with this. This is why she is here, so she can deal with this. She understands and further contacts
Edmonton Medical Referral and emails them the doctors orders etc.. (see attached).

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Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Onihcikiskwapowin)

She later comes to see me and informs me the Medical Van will arrive at 1:00PM to take me to Edmonton
Continental Inn. I feel relieved.
1:00PM: Medical Van picks up my escort, Ken Dion and me. I inform the driver I must pick up my
prescription across the street in same building of my doctors office building. Driver informs me she
cant stop anywhere and I was supposed to let dispatch know ahead of time. I tell her, I have no idea
how this works, Im not used to using this service, Im not sick all the time. They (Edmonton Medical
Referral) didnt explain that to me or tell me anything like that. How am I supposed to get my
prescription filled, I cant walk anywhere and this is my pain meds, I need them before my current ones
wear off? Im feeling stressed again and anxiety. Driver begins to explain that maybe my escort can
walk somewhere and find a pharmacy for me by the hotel. I am frustrated and say nothing, as I know
that when you go to a new pharmacy, the person has to be present to fill the prescription. I think about
people who have no other means or are alone, limited mobility, what would they do, especially if not
familiar with Edmonton or language barrier etc..
Get to hotel and informed by the hotel clerk that my escort has not been covered for meals. She calls
Edmonton Medical Referral and I talk to a woman and informed they were not made aware of my escort
on the paperwork at the hospital. I tell them that the Social Work specifically asked for my escorts name
and she did send information. Referral staff informs me to call the hospital to get paperwork resent as
she asked if there was an escort and told there wasnt one. After I hung up, I call the hospital and speak
with the nurse, who was assisting the new Social Worker, and she lets me know she will call Edmonton
Referral. I figure the confusion happened due to new nurse and new social worker who were new to my
file that day, and/or paperwork receipt issues, and/or previous denial. What ever the issues, I was
feeling frustrated and stressed again because I was informed I was only approved for Medical Service
until Monday, December 14, 2015 at which time the Director would reassess my file and see if services
should continue until Wednesday after my doctors follow up assessment appointment. After I get off
the phone, the hotel staff informs me that if there is no approval sent to them before check out,
Edmonton Referral will expect them to have my luggage removed from the room and I will have to wait
in the lobby until they receive approval. She informs me this is Edmonton Referrals standard procedure
and nothing the hotel can do. I cant believe the lack of dignity being bestowed on me and/or our people.
I tell the hotel staff that I can not believe this, the lack of human treatment.

This only confirms the complaints I have heard from others over the years of the poor service, lack of
respect and dignity of our people, that treaty health services has severely deteriorated over the years,
and our people are being treated like a propagandised tax burden and not as human beings but a
means to save money.

As you can see, I am dealing and experiencing unnecessary stress and should be focusing on healing,
instead I am having to advocate for my rights as my future service is still in limbo and will not be
determined until tomorrow, in the hands of the director of Edmonton Medical Referral, and should not
be an issue as the 1876 Treaty No. 6 is constitutionally protected and recognized as the fourth
strongest treaty internationally.

As I stated earlier, I am advocating not only for myself but as a band councillor who advocates for the
Indigenous People nationally.

The following issues I have heard from various sources, are as follows, of how Edmonton Medical
Referral and/or Health Canada has dealt with Indigenous Peoples who access the service:

Talk to them ignorantly, get mad at them, annoyed, threated like a burden, or have to beg for service.
Dont clarify services, assume everyone knows the service, doesnt inform what is happening or
arrangements made.

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Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Onihcikiskwapowin)

Elders are more susceptible for abuse. Language barriers, not aware of where they are going etc, if no
escort; especially if they come from isolated distant communities etc.. (ie. Treaty 6, 8, 9, 10, or 11 areas)
Sometimes services are being reassessed and approval is late and required hotel to remove luggage so
they dont have to pay extra fees, if not approved.
Some have been abandoned by service provider and left to fend for themselves
If a liaison/social worker assists to advocate for client/patient, they expect patient/client to call them
and advocate for themselves too, adding to stress.
Changes in NIHB coverage requiring 300 km or less distance from reserve causing denials in hotel and
expecting patients to do day trips to Edmonton no matter medical condition. Ie. Some Cancer patients
and Open Heart Patients expected to be do a 4-6 hours (600 km round trip maximum) drive round trip
to see a specialist etc..
Limiting medical services only to reservations when treaties were made before reservations existed.
Canada forgetting that treaty follows the person and are portable and not limited to reserve boundaries.

These are only some issues and concerns and I am certain, through previous research and future
research, more injustices can be confirmed and validated.

Therefore, this is my official complaint as outlined and give any political treaty advocator and
protector like chiefs, leaders, health workers, doctors etc.. permission to use, if it will assist in
supporting and ensuring our Indigenous Peoples are treated with respect, dignity, as human beings,
and hopefully receive quality service as promised in the treaties, UNDRIP, and TRC. As I stated, I am
expecting my doctors orders be respected, as she is the best to determine the best health and wellness
methods for me. Furthermore, I am expecting reconciliation and hope my letter assists in ensuring
others dont experience the distress and abuse I have experienced. This whole experience reminds me
of the treatment my family has experienced for generations as a result of Canadas genocidal policies
and laws against my people.

Please forgive any errors in grammar etc., as I am trying to do my best, with my limited capacity, to
forward this complaint as soon as possible, as requested by my chief and before my file is reviewed by
the NIHB Director. At the end of the day, I just want to be given the dignity, respect, and opportunity
to focus on my recovery and healing. I look forward to hearing how your department will resolve my
concerns and future steps for reconciliation. I can be reached at shannonhoule@saddlelake.ca or 780547-9075.


In the Spirit and Intent of Treaty No. 6;




Councillor Shannon Houle, BGS, B.Ed

Onihcikiskwapowin (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) of Treaty No. 6 Territory
INAC Treaty Registry No. 4620273001

cc
Chief Leonard Jackson, SLCN Chief and Council

Councillor Charlene Houle White, SLCN Health Portfolio

Evelyn Johnston, SLCN Health Director
SLCN Health Board

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Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Onihcikiskwapowin)

Grand Chief, Tony Alexis, Confederacy of Treaty Six

Grand Chief, Craig Makinaw, AFN Alberta Region

Dr, DeDoming, Gynecologist

Dr, Makokis, Family Physician


Attachments/

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Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Onihcikiskwapowin)

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