Our careOur peopleOur future

An Indigenous-led not-for-profit helping care flow to the people who need it most. Grounded in Kímmapiiyipitssini, the Blackfoot teaching of empathy and compassion.

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Community-ledCulturally groundedBuilt to last
The journey

Every river starts in the mountains

Ours begins in Blackfoot territory, in the shadow of Nináistako, Chief Mountain.

“Reconciliation is like a river. One may pour words and promises into it upstream, but if that water never reaches the thirsty people downstream, then it is not reconciliation.”A teaching shared by our Elder advisors
Downstream

Downstream there are people

We exist to help care make the journey.

What we do

We help the river reach the people

Across Canada, community groups already know every name on their streets. Birchbark is here to make them stronger.

Resources

What the work needs

Care kits, naloxone, supplies, and funding.

Training

Skills that multiply

First aid, overdose response, wound care, and mental health first aid, taught train-the-trainer.

Organization

A louder voice

Coordination, structure, and advocacy.

Where it begins

It starts with a walk

In Lethbridge, the SAGE Clan walks the streets at night, neighbours carrying naloxone, warm food, and open ears. We walk with them.

Fox artwork with painted stripes and a sun marking
A handwritten note reading: Even in dark times, there is light. You are not alone. I believe in you. You can do this.
An actual note from a Birchbark care kit. Write one.
From the field
Naloxone and overdose-prevention training with the Blood Tribe Department of Health
Naloxone training with the Blood Tribe Department of Health
A first aid training session in a full classroom
First aid & CPR certification
Care kit supplies ready to be packed
Care kits, packed by hand
News headlines covering Bill 53 and Birchbark Health's advocacy for community-led care
Advocacy
Two presenters sharing Birchbark Health's work in a lecture hall
Education
A smudge kit: sage, a sweetgrass braid, sweetpine, an abalone shell, and matches on a wooden table
Smudge kits, prepared with care
Community members gathered around a buffalo hide in ceremony
Healing through ceremony
A baby in a Birchbark Health onesie wearing a beaded buffalo medallion
Educating our youth

To date, across our programs

500+People trained
2,000+Naloxone kits distributed
1,200 LHot chocolate poured
2,000+Supportive notes handed out
$100,000+Raised in donations and in kind
“Someone taught me, so now I am supposed to teach others.”
Program participant, after naloxone training

Working hand-in-hand with the Blood Tribe Department of Health, the Lethbridge SAGE Clan, and partners across the community.

Who we are

Rooted in culture
Guided by community

Bison artwork with a striped heartline running from its mouth up its neck
A community sharing circle in a gymnasium
In community

Healing happens in circle

Every program begins by listening to the people and nations we walk alongside.

Get connected

Our people live
Our culture leads
Our voices shape the systems around us

Whether you are a community, clinician, funder, or ally, we would love to hear from you.

Get in touch →