'He lost his spirit': Family wants answers after Indigenous man's braids cut at Edmonton hospital

The Saskatchewan family of an Indigenous man whose braids were cut off during a stay at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, without permission, is searching for answers.

Eve Adams says she went to visit her 84-year-old husband Dexter Adams in May at the central Edmonton hospital and found his braids, eagle feather and bear grease, a form of Indigenous medicine, in a garbage can.

Katheleen Crowe says the cutting of her uncle’s hair has caused her family “emotional and spiritual harm.”

“After Dexter’s braids were cut off, it was though he lost his spirit and his will to live,” Crowe said at a news conference held by the family.

“He died five weeks later. The failure to acknowledge and respect the deep cultural significance of hair and braids in Indigenous culture crushed my uncle's spirit.”

Crowe says her uncle’s braids were found in a garbage can on top of a soiled adult diaper. The family alleges they never received an explanation or an apology from the hospital for what happened.

“There has been nothing done concretely. My aunt never received an apology from the hospital. Basically, we felt that their actions were more just to protect themselves,” Crowe said.

'Deeply regrettable'

Alberta Health Services (AHS) says the incident is “deeply regrettable and should have never happened.”

Following what happened, AHS says three in-person sessions on the Cultural Significance of Hair for Indigenous Peoples were held at Royal Alexandra Hospital. Online resources have also been added to the internal AHS website.

AHS says informed consent is required from the patient and family before cutting hair, even for medical purposes.

An internal investigation has been conducted and results won’t be shared, the provincial health delivery agency said.

Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange says she was “extremely concerned” to hear details of the incident.

“Whether this situation was a result or discrimination or ignorance – neither is appropriate and it is situations like this that cause Indigenous people to feel unwelcomed in our healthcare system,” La Grande said in an emailed statement. 

Brooks Arcand-Paul, the Official Opposition Alberta NDP's Indigenous relations shadow minister, says what happened to Dexter is not a one-off case.

“Time and time again, Indigenous Peoples experience poor health outcomes and mistreatment within our healthcare system,” Arcand-Paul said.

“This is exactly why the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action — particularly numbers 18 and 23 — need to be urgently implemented. My bill, Bill 209, provides the legislative framework to make this happen.”

Bill 209 is a private member’s bill mandating “meaningful and adequate consultation” on any legislation impacting Indigenous people.

Alberta Health created a new Indigenous Health division last year to elevate and focus on healthcare equity for Indigenous people.

The province says it’s hired an Indigenous Patient Safety Investigator and Advocate to help prioritize cultural understanding and addressing discrimination in the healthcare system.