Summary
Ramona Big Head — principal of Tatsikiisaapo'p Middle School in Stand Off — was referred to in a text from an AHS employee as a "rabid squaw." The text was intended for an AHS employee but was misdirected to the Kainai Board of Education.
Statement from Dr. Verna Yiu, AHS President and CEO
June 26, 2017
We have concluded our investigation into the racial slur directed towards a Kainai Board of Education employee.
Two Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) employees have been terminated as a result of this incident. The terminations are effective immediately. To respect the privacy of this process and all involved, no further information will be released on the terminations or the terminated employees.
We will take this opportunity to reiterate that this incident is not representative of who AHS is or what AHS stands for. We are a team of individuals with passion, commitment to caring, and above all: respect for those we serve. Albertans of every community are our partners and our neighbours.
All AHS employees are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct, which includes treating all people with dignity and fairness.
Building cultural competency and sensitivity in our staff remains an important priority for Alberta Health Services. In our communication with staff on this issue, we have stressed that training for all AHS employees, and will continue to do so.
We have also told our staff that the true test of our organization is what we do next. AHS is committed to advancing the process of reconciliation with indigenous peoples and communities, and we will move forward from this incident together with our indigenous communities and all Albertans.
Dr. Verna Yiu
President and CEO
Alberta Health Services