Alberta Health Services is now offering interpretation services in 23 Indigenous languages.
The interpretation services are available to all patients receiving care from AHS health care teams. Indigenous translation services are now available in the following languages:
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AlgonquianÂ
Blackfoot Â
ChipewyanÂ
Cree – James BayÂ
Cree – Moose Â
Cree – Plains Â
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Cree – Swampy Â
Cree – Woodlands Â
DakotaÂ
Dene Â
Dogrib Â
OjibwayÂ
Â
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Inuinnaqtun InuktitutÂ
MichifÂ
Micmac Â
MohawkÂ
North SlaveyÂ
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Oji-Cree Â
SalishÂ
SalteauxÂ
Slavey Â
Slavey SouthÂ
TsilhqotinÂ
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In a press release, AHS says it is committed to providing culturally safe, accessible healthcare to all patients as an integral part of patient-centered care.
“We are also called upon in the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action to incorporate traditional healing practices for Indigenous patients and families into western medicine.”
The Indigenous languages are now offered in addition to the more than 240 languages also offered for interpretation through Health Link 811 at all AHS sites. The availability of the interpreter may vary based on the rarity of language, call volumes, and time of day.
The same press release says providing care in a person’s language allows clients to actively participate in the decision-making process, provide informed consent and ensure safe and effective communication between clients, families, and all members of the healthcare team.
“This is just one more way AHS is improving access to culturally safe care for Indigenous peoples.”
Translation of written patient-related records or educational materials is also available if needed.
