BTDH Update: Blood Tribe Responds to Alberta’s Announcement for Takeover of Shelter Operations

On October 11, 2022, the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc. (BTDH) issued a formal statement regarding the continued discussions of the Province’s announcement to take over shelter operations from Alpha House in Lethbridge that primarily serves Indigenous persons.

BTDH explains the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Intergovernmental Health Table, the City of Lethbridge and the Blood Tribe are working together to access the resources required for temporary housing, shelter, and permanent housing, aiming to achieve long term solutions for Indigenous peoples currently experiencing homelessness in Lethbridge.

BTDH is also interested in a “wellness-based solution for the Lethbridge Shelter and Stabilization Center.” The statement states that 70 percent of the shelter’s occupants are Indigenous.