A message from the IERHA Indigenous Health team

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a vital time to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of residential schools and colonial policies on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and to honour Survivors, their families, and communities. For those of us working in healthcare, this day carries deep significance. The documented inequities in access to healthcare experienced by Indigenous peoples – even within Canada’s publicly funded system – are a direct result of this history. In Manitoba, health inequities between First Nations and other Manitobans have actually widened since 2002. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, particularly Call to Action #18 (acknowledging the direct harms of Canadian policies) and #19 (establishing measurable goals to close health outcome gaps), remind us that reconciliation is not just about remembering the past – it’s about transforming systems today to ensure culturally safe, equitable care and achieve equity of outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.

At Interlake-Eastern RHA, we are deeply committed to this work, understanding that reconciliation requires meaningful, system-wide change. Reconciliation in healthcare means listening to Indigenous voices and knowledge keepers, actively learning from traditional knowledge and healing practices, and comprehensively addressing systemic racism and jurisdictional discrimination that contribute to health inequities. This commitment is reflected in our ongoing efforts to have a representative workforce, build Indigenous health services, and grow cultural competency across our region. On this day and every day, let’s take time to learn, reflect, and actively dismantle racism, and take action toward creating a healthcare system rooted in respect, understanding, and true partnerships for the people and communities we serve.

Achieving culturally safe and equitable care also requires continuous self-reflection at the individual level. It is important to acknowledge that racism and discrimination, although rooted in structural factors, are also experienced at the individual level and profoundly impact patient trust and access to care.

We all have a responsibility to recognize and respond to discrimination and racism. This means consciously challenging our own biases, assumptions, and privileges, and understanding that fostering respectful, trusting relationships is fundamental to transforming healthcare.

Young local artists are being recognized for their thoughtful artwork in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

Youth in grades 5 to 12 entered a contest launched by Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority to design artwork for this important national recognition day, which honours survivors of residential schools and children who never returned home.

Health authority staff and select community partners reviewed 49 submissions from across the region and selected three winning entries.

Winning submissions were created by Kiana (age 16) from Fisher Branch, Baby Harmony (age 15) from Dauphin River First Nation, (age 13) from Oakbank. Their designs are available for download by IERHA staff and public to use as backgrounds for computer desktops, cellphones and virtual meetings here: NDTR Artwork – Download Page – Interlake-Eastern RHA

Kiana’s poster depicts an image of child with a red handprint stamped over the face with cultural images of animals surrounding the child.

“As a Métis, I made this artwork after reading a book in history class about a person that went to residential school. I made her hair short because they cut her hair and also included the seven teachings,” Kiana wrote in her artist’s statement.

The artwork by Ellia shows a dreamcatcher with the words “truth and reconciliation” surrounding it.

“I chose to include a feather and use of the colour orange to honour Indigenous people on Sept. 30,” Ellia said.

Baby Harmony’s artwork depicted a sun, orange handprint, orange ribbon, school building, trees and the following words: “They call it a school but it was the place for stolen children, stolen voices. The handprint is what is left and what it still speaks. Truth first, then reconciliation.”

Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a vital time to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of residential schools and colonial policies on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and to honour Survivors, their families and communities.

Adam Sanderson, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority’s director of Indigenous Health, shares what Sept. 30 means to the Indigenous Health program and the regional health authority.

“We commend these young artists on their interpretation of reconciliation through their artwork. On this day and every day, let’s take time to learn, reflect and actively respond to racism and take action toward creating a health-care system rooted in respect, understanding and true partnership for the communities we serve,” he said.

In honour of this day, all IERHA clinics and laboratories will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 30. The ten hospitals in Interlake-Eastern RHA will be flying survivors flags and the Canadian flag must be removed as flag protocol dictates it is improper to fly the National Flag with another flag, of any type, on the same flagpole. Facilities without flag poles are identifying other ways to mount the flag so it is visible to people entering the facility. The flag will remain flying until Wednesday, October 1^st.

Winning artwork completed by local 13 year old Ellia of Oakbank.

Artwork contest winner Kiana from Fisher Branch holds up her winning artwork inside Fisher Branch Collegiate.

Artwork contest winner Baby Harmony is pictured outside Dauphin River School with her winning artwork and cheque.

The Manitoba government is expanding the pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunoprophylaxis program to include all infants born during the RSV season, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.

“Every parent wants their baby to have the healthiest possible start in life,” said Asagwara. “RSV can be serious, but it’s preventable – and now we’re making it easier for families to protect their newborns. Starting this October, Manitoba parents will have access to a new preventive option that helps shield infants from RSV, giving them a stronger, safer beginning.”

Currently, newborns born at any time of the year, who meet certain high-risk eligibility criteria can receive an RSV antibody called nirsevimab during respiratory virus season. Manitoba is expanding the program to include all infants born within RSV’s circulation season, between Oct. 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, regardless of clinical criteria, the minister noted.

Nirsevimab reduces the likelihood of severe illness. Approximately five per cent of healthy infants and young children hospitalized with RSV require ICU admission, increasing to 10 per cent for those with other health conditions. In Manitoba, RSV season typically runs from November to March and accounts for 10 to 20 per cent of respiratory tract infections in infants requiring medical attention.

Previously, Manitoba used palivizumab, which required multiple doses depending on when the child was born. Nirsevimab only requires one dose. Infants born between Oct. 1 and March 31 can receive a single dose of nirsevimab prior to discharge from hospital. Those who missed their dose before discharge will be able to access it through local public health offices, nursing stations and other designated locations.

For more information about respiratory syncytial virus, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/rsv.html.

The Selkirk QuickCare Clinic provides same day services by appointment.

You can book an appointment online at medinav.ca (Be sure to use www.medinav.ca when booking your appointment – if your account does not work you may have created your account using a url that was incorrectly posted and you will need to recreate your account again).

• book after midnight for an appointment later that day
• If appointments online are filled, call 204-482-4399 to inquire on available appointments.

or call 204-482-4399 for an appointment starting at 9:30 am.

Manitobans can now book same-day appointments for the Selkirk and Steinbach QuickCare clinics through the Medinav portal as well as search for convenient appointments at other participating clinics across the province, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.

“Medinav makes it easier for Manitobans to book an appointment when and where it works for them,” said Asagwara. “That means getting care sooner and keeping emergency and urgent care for those who need it most. This is about making the health system more accessible and responsive, and today we are taking another step forward with online booking for QuickCare clinics in Selkirk and Steinbach.”

Medinav is an online appointment booking system that allows Manitobans to view same-day and next-day appointments available at participating clinics and choose the most suitable option. The portal enables online booking at:

• walk-in connected care clinics;
• extended hours primary care clinics, including the newly opened clinic at St. Boniface Hospital;
• minor injury and illness clinics at Misericordia Health Centre and in Brandon;
• the Pan Am minor injury clinic; and
• QuickCare clinics in Selkirk and Steinbach.

To book an appointment or view clinic hours, visit https://medinav.ca/.

Manitoba Ends State of Emergency

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Emergency Management Organization is advising the provincewide state of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act will expire today and is not being extended.

The state of emergency was first declared on July 10 and extended on Aug. 7 under powers set out in sections 10(1) and 10(2) of the Emergency Measures Act. It expired at noon today.

Evacuation orders set by local authorities remain in place until it is deemed safe to return.

For information on the status and location of active wildfires, fire restrictions and bans, evacuations, and how to help prevent wildfires, visit https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/index.html.

Visit the provincial web page for more information: Province of Manitoba | News Releases | Measles Update

Now includes infants six months to 12 months of age

As the number of measles cases in Manitoba continues to increase, the province has broadened eligibility for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to include infants from six months to under 12 months of age residing in Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) and Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA). 

This vaccine is also now available to children aged six months to under 12 months of age who travel regularly to and have close contact with residents of the SH-SS or IERHA health regions. Read more.

See current cases and exposures

Youth in the Interlake-Eastern region are invited to reflect on reconciliation through an artwork contest.

Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority is launching an artwork contest for students in grades 5 to 12 in advance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which takes place on Sept. 30.

This day honours children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

To acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority is seeking artwork submissions designed by youth. All designs must be original and fit on a landscape-oriented paper (8.5 inches wide by 11 inches high).

Winning entries will be digitally redrawn for printing. All submissions become property of IERHA. The contest is open to youth residents in the regions as well as family members of IERHA employees.

The artwork will be made available to IERHA staff during the month of September to use as backgrounds for virtual meetings and computer screens.

Selected entries will receive $100.

The submission deadline was June 16.

The number of measles cases is rising locally, nationally and internationally. The majority of cases are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children who have been exposed in their communities. If you know your/your child’s immunization status and if you’d like to secure a measles vaccination, or if you want to confirm your immunization status contact your health care provider or your public health nurse in your local community health office.

The Province of Manitoba’s Measles Update #6 includes measles exposure sites located in Interlake-Eastern Health. Read more.

Shared Health is further enhancing care for patients in rural Manitoba with the expansion of the Community Paramedic Program to Brandon and Selkirk, helping ensure more Manitobans can be connected to the care and community services they need. Read more

Congratulations are in order for a long-standing physician who earned an award to recognize her exemplary service and expertise in the community.

Dr. Michele Matter is being recognized by Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority with a Physician Emeritus Award. Physician colleagues and community members had the chance to submit nominations for the prestigious award. Matter received a range of nominations, including from several paramedics, the team at the Selkirk Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine clinic, Ekosi Health Centre and leadership in Gimli.

“It is an incredible honour to be nominated for the Physician Emeritus Award and an absolute thrill to be chosen as this year’s recipient,” Dr. Matter said.

“It’s an unexpected yet very satisfying acknowledgment of the many years of hard work I put into my practice as well as the leadership and teaching I did.”

With more than 35 years of experience as a physician, Dr. Matter graduated from the University of Cape Town in December 1989. She worked for four years in Cape Town before leaving South Africa.

From there, her first stop was Scotland to pursue post-graduate education in pediatrics. That’s where she met a South African doctor who had been working in the Manitoba community of Leaf Rapids. That doctor told her about a job opportunity in Lynn Lake, where Dr. Matter ended up working for six years. It’s also where she met her partner, an RCMP officer who ended up being transferred to Gimli.

Thanks to a chance comment from Dr. Colin Nisbet, a previous chief of Selkirk ER who was teaching a course in Lynn Lake, Dr. Matter applied for a position in Selkirk’s emergency department. She got the job and worked there for the next 25 years before retiring in December 2023.

Since then, Dr. Matter has continued to work part time as a family doctor in Gimli and an addictions medicine provider at the RAAM clinic in Selkirk.

Some of her career highlights include being chosen as chief of staff or site lead at three hospitals in two regions of Manitoba —Lynn Lake, Gimli and Selkirk. She also had 10 years of experience teaching and providing on-call support for paramedics as their medical director.

In addition, Dr. Matter had the chance to work in Canada’s North, flying in to communities such as Brochet, Lac Brochet, Tadoule Lake and Pukatawagan to provide care.

“It was an incredible honour to have travelled where so few have, been able to see and appreciate the remote wilderness of the North and work with the amazing peoples who live there,” she said.

At the same time, her career helped create connections within the community while providing longitudinal care. She enjoyed the “absolute thrill and excitement” of the ER, as well as the satisfaction of getting to really know her patients in family medicine.

“Medicine has also given me the opportunity to volunteer my skills at many high-level sporting events, including the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, World Women’s Hockey Championships and the Pan Am Games, amongst others. Imagine going to work on a ski-lift,” she said.

“My newest love is the incredible joy of helping people overcome addictions and maintain sobriety, one of the most difficult things I think humans have to go through. These are not weak people; they are amongst the strongest I know. It is such an honour to be able to offer them the slightest support.”

When reflecting on her career, Dr. Matter shared some words of gratitude.

She described Dr. Colin Nisbet, previous chief of ER in Selkirk, as “the most amazing medical mentor a person could wish for.” 

She also pointed to the positive impact of FeminEM, an informal WhatsApp group of the female physicians who worked together in the Selkirk ER through COVID and continue to provide each other with support and advice.

In addition, Dr. Matter is grateful for Dr. Shelley Turner, who taught her to dream big and encouraged her to always approach life with curiosity and kindness.

“To my patients who made all this possible, a huge debt of gratitude and love for the wonderful opportunities,” she said.

“To my teachers and mentors who made me the physician I am today, I couldn’t have done it without them. So when my turn came to take over those roles, it was done with humility and gratitude for those who led me.”

Dr. Scott Gregoire, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority’s regional lead of medical services and chief medical officer, shared gratitude for Dr. Matter’s contributions.

“Dr. Matter has served the community and has be the model for professionalism, competence and mentorship,” he said.

“On a personal note, she has been an absolute pleasure to work with and her care to patients is exemplary. To work with her has been a privilege.”

Read about past winners.