June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. Each week throughout the month of June will feature a different theme. The theme for June 17 to 23 is languages, cultures and arts.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, which aims to recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada. Check out a list of events.

Additional events and resources are posted on the Shared Health website.

The Seven Sacred Laws: Truth

In the Anishinaabe world, and others, the Seven Sacred Laws have acted as the foundation of a way of life and connection to the spirit and the land.

The Seven Sacred Laws are represented by seven animals that ensure a close relationship with nature. Each animal offers a special gift and understanding of how we as people should live our lives on Earth.

IERHA adopts new treaty acknowledgment

Interlake-Eastern RHA’s board of directors recently adopted a new treaty acknowledgment for the region. Change is constant and necessary if we are harnessing it to improve. The newly updated treaty acknowledgment now includes our recognition of our responsibility to act and commit to reporting publicly on our actions and outcomes. We use the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action as a guide as well as the provincewide obligation to remove racism from health care.

You will see this treaty land acknowledgment adopted on our corporate materials and, if you have an @ierha.ca email address, it’s our corporate standard that this acknowledgment be incorporated into your signature.

Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (RHA) delivers services on First Nation Treaty Territories 1, 2, 3 and 5 and on the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation. We respect that First Nations treaties were made on these territories and acknowledge past and current day harms and wrongs.

Interlake-Eastern RHA also acknowledges its responsibility under the treaties to commit to actions. This includes actions in: addressing jurisdictional discrimination and systemic racism, growing cultural competency capacity, implementing an anti-racism action plan, addressing health equity gaps, increasing the number of Indigenous employees, building Indigenous patient advocacy services, and increasing access to traditional healing.

Interlake-Eastern RHA offers an accountability promise to report annually on its reconciliation journey actions and outcomes.

We can anticipate further changes to this treaty acknowledgment as it’s appropriate that it be a reflection of where we are in the journey of reconciliation.

What activities do you enjoy in the region? Send us a photo and a few words about why you love where you live and work. Entries can be sent to ierhawave@ierha.ca.

We’ll share your stories in the Wave and, with your permission, on our social media feeds to help prospective job seekers appreciate all that our region has to offer. All entries will be entered in a draw for an item of your choice from IERHA’s online store.

Nadine Thorvardson, who works as a cook at Teulon Hospital, shared why she loves living and working in the region, as well as some eye-catching photos:

We love living in the Interlake for all reasons from the scenery to the wildlife. My kids love all things slimy. The people in all areas at my place of work make it an enjoyable place to be.

Thank you, Nadine, for your submission!

Claudette Borys, left, with support services manager Erin Gmiterek

Claudette poses with a lifesized replica.

The dietary teams at East Gate Lodge in Beausejour and Kin Place in Oakbank have been cooking up some festive moments.

On May 31, lead cook Claudette Borys retired from her role at East Gate Lodge after working for 35 years with Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.

To mark the occasion, dietary staff and support services manager Erin Gmiterek served cake and coffee. The staff also made a life-sized replica of Claudette so that she would always keep an eye on them!

Meanwhile, long-time cook Annette Borchardt moved from her role in Kin Place to become the new lead cook at East Gate Lodge. Her experience will serve her well since Annette had worked at Kin Place as the lead cook for the past 11 years.

The team at Kin Place showed their appreciation for Annette with a little party that was ladybug themed —her favourite!

Thank you to both Claudette and Annette for their hard work and dedication to IERHA!

Thank you to Jennifer Scrivens, director of support services, for sharing these fun photos.

A party honoured Annette Borchardt, a longtime cook at Kin Place Personal Care Home who is the new head cook at East Gate Lodge.

The party featured a festive ladybug theme.

Annette Borchardt and Jessica Daly, support services manager

Back row: Lucy Henaire, Cindy Kula, Penny Buchanan. Front row: Annette Borchardt, Cherolyn Cielen

Left to right: Krystle Deslauriers, Adele Hummelt, Krista Olszewski, Laura Hlatky, Jolene Fiebelkorn and internship student Katelyn Dunn.

Selkirk Comp student Katelyn Dunn recently completed an IERHA internship experience at Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

“Being at the hospital has been a great experience for me and has given me the opportunity to further investigate the career path I am interested in pursuing. Thank you for letting me explore the hospital and understanding more of nursing. I loved working with the people, and everything about it was amazing. I loved the patients and the nurses. I went in being shy, and after being there for 12 weeks, I found my voice and it made me feel much better about myself,” she said.

“Thank you so much for giving me the chance to see what these amazing people do every day. They all gave me tips for when I go to school, and I think I have found the area I want to work in — Labour and Delivery or the ER. All I wanted to say is thank you for an amazing opportunity at the hospital.”

Lori Buors, Indigenous human resources officer, gives each staff member and manager a pat on the back for working with Katelyn.

“In some cases, the internship program is more than job-shadowing to these students. They gain self-confidence and are not so confused about their career they have chosen,” Lori said.

“The students do appreciate the chance to job-shadow all of our staff and you are all amazing! This is the best part of my job. Thank you!”

Selkirk is one of 11 communities selected to participate in the Government of Manitoba’s Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Pilot Project.

As such, the city will be developing and implementing a local CSWB plan and is seeking input to inform this process from people who live, work and access services in Selkirk. Please contribute if you’d like to contribute your perspectives.

Website: Community Safety and Wellbeing Project - City of Selkirk (myselkirk.ca)

Direct Survey Link: Selkirk CSWB Plan Community Survey (surveymonkey.com)

May 27 to 31 was Rural Week, which aims to expose medical students to the work and lifestyle of the rural family physician and health-care team. At the same time, students have the chance to experience some aspects of rural community life.

Read more about the students' experiences in Gimli in the Express Weekly News.

Do you know a staff member who deserves recognition for going above and beyond?

Nominations are now open for IERHA's Chair's Award for Excellence in Customer Service. The award aims to recognize Interlake-Eastern RHA staff members who repeatedly go above and beyond to reflect our vision, mission and values.

Nominees will be evaluated by a committee composed of representatives from Interlake-Eastern RHA’s board of directors and staff. Our board chair will present this award to a deserving staff member.

The nomination deadline is Friday, June 28.

Click here to see the award criteria and for a fillable nomination from.

Thinking about a career upgrade?

IERHA continues to strengthen its partnerships with various post-secondary institutions to develop a stronger workforce.

Efforts are underway to develop education opportunities closer to home for students and employees in the Interlake. 

Click here to see a list of courses available.

IERHA has partnered with Rainbow Stage. Click here to see the discount instructions.

We're taking a break from publishing editions in weeks following statutory holidays.

There will be no issue of the Wednesday Wave published on July 3.