Dancing Deer Disaster Recovery Centre, Siksika Nation
Darlene was born and raised on the Siksika Nation; she is the oldest of 10 children. She has spent most of her adult life at Siksika employed by Medical Services Branch, Health Canada in various roles: from 1972-74 as a clerk-typist at the Blackfoot Health Center; 1975-78 as a community Health Representative; 1981 received Nursing Diploma (R.N.); 1981-84 employed as a clinic Nurse; 1984-89 employed as a community Health Nurse, 1989-1996 employed as the Treaty 7 Zone Director, Medical Services Branch.
Darlene was appointed by the Deputy Minister of Health to serve as a member of the International Tripartite Health Working Group on Aboriginal Health. From 1989-95, Darlene was involved in the University of Calgary, International Center, which provides advice and support to Third World Countries. In August of 1991 Darlene traveled to Israel to participate in the International Conference on Aboriginal Health Working Group. In November of 1991, Darlene traveled to the Philippines to provide advice, support and meet with various communities in the Philippines. Darlene worked with the University of Calgary, Medical Faculty to increase the awareness of First Nation health issues, until 1998.
Darlene was the Chief from 1998-99; employed by First Nations Health Management 2000-2005, was successful in assisting First Nations Health Management to acquire funding for an Aboriginal Healing Program “Sacred Circle Centre” for the City of Calgary Aboriginal population.
Darlene continued on her employment journey as a health researcher from 2006-2009.
Darlene is now semi-retired, but will have to come out of retirement very soon. She has become very involved in a humanitarian project, which she hopes will benefit Siksika Nation and other First Nation communities in Canada.
Darlene came out semi-retirement in 2013 to assist Siksika Nation with the 2013 flood June 2013 commenced as Siksika Flood Site Manager, January 2014 Manager of Dancing Deer Disaster Recovery Program and July 2015 – September 2016. Project Manager for Community Wellness (Psychosocial) Recovery Program. Her role as Manager overlapped in many areas of the 2013 flood response and recovery. Darlene presented at the Disaster Psychosocial Conference in Vancouver March 2016 and Toronto October 2016.