Diversity and inclusion

Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, reconciliation. These are more than ideas to us. They are part of our commitment to honour the uniqueness of our people and those we serve, who come from a rich mosaic of cultures, faiths and circumstances. This is how we live our values and mission.

Our goal is to create environments where everyone feels safe and valued. Whether you are a patient or resident or part of our team, we celebrate your individuality. We will work to ensure your voice is heard and help you reach your full potential.

Initiatives

Diversity and inclusion framework and work plan

We are working to foster safe, welcoming environments for our staff and those we serve. Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework is our guide. This work focuses on four areas:

supporting those we serve
supporting our teams
strengthening and expanding community partnerships
committing to Indigenous health and awareness

To learn about each area, see our Diversity and Inclusion Work Plan.

Diversity and Inclusion Council

Our council includes staff, leaders and community partners. Members meet regularly to carry out and support programs under our Diversity and Inclusion Work Plan. The council aims to:

share resources, knowledge and expertise about diversity and inclusion activities
help develop educational resources and tools
drive and inspire organizational change
provide feedback on strategies
work with programs and portfolios that serve vulnerable patient populations
support intercultural competence — the ability to communicate and work well with people who have different values, beliefs, religions and experiences — across Covenant
recommend system improvements
lead efforts to overcome barriers

Indigenous Advisory Body

This committee includes Indigenous staff, doctors and volunteers. We believe in using the knowledge and experience of our team members to move our Diversity and Inclusion Framework forward. The advisory body aims to:

develop cultural awareness and understanding within Covenant about Indigenous peoples
create and maintain positive connections to Indigenous communities
recognize and embrace traditional Indigenous healing practices

Black Advisory Body

This committee includes Black employees, physicians and volunteers. It focuses on raising awareness and driving change to support Black team members within our organization and the community. It aims to:

promote fair, inclusive and welcoming work environments for Covenant team members
increase cultural awareness within Covenant about Black cultures and communities
make positive connections with Black communities

Interpretive services

We offer interpretive services for patients, residents and families who prefer to communicate in a language other than English. Our contracted interpreters are trained to give accurate, fair and confidential services in person, through live video or over the phone.

Please speak to a member of your care team to arrange for an interpreter.

Interpretive services

Land acknowledgement

We acknowledge that what we refer to as Alberta is the traditional ancestral territory of a diversity of Indigenous Peoples and home to Treaty 4, 6, 7, and 8.

We honor the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika, the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Métis People of Alberta. This includes the eight Métis Settlements and the twenty-two Districts of the Otipemisiwak government within the Métis Nation of Alberta, that reside within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland.

We recognize and give thanks to the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations, all who continue to grace these lands, and all future generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers, Matriarchs and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.