Indigenous Man’s Braids Cut Without Consent at Edmonton Hospital Sparks Calls for Reform

The family of Dexter Adams, a Pasqua First Nation elder, denounces the culturally insensitive act and demands systemic changes in Alberta's healthcare system.

• Dexter Adams, an 84-year-old Pasqua First Nation elder, had his culturally significant braids cut and discarded without consent during his stay at Edmonton's Royal Alexandra Hospital in May 2024.
• Adams' wife discovered his braids, eagle feather, and Indigenous medicine in a garbage can, prompting outrage from his family over the violation of his cultural identity and dignity.
• Alberta Health Services (AHS) called the incident 'deeply regrettable' and introduced cultural training sessions for staff, but the family criticized the response as inadequate and lacking accountability.
• The act evoked historical trauma tied to residential and day schools, where Indigenous children were forced to cut their hair, a practice with deep spiritual and cultural significance.
• The family, supported by the Alberta NDP, is advocating for stronger cultural competency measures in healthcare, including the implementation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 24, which mandates Indigenous health education for medical professionals.

3 Articles

CBC The Globe and Mail Global News