The family of an Indigenous man is calling for systemic changes in Canada’s health-care system after discovering his braids had been cut without consent while he was hospitalized in Edmonton.
Kathleen Crowe spoke at a news conference organized by Alberta’s NDP on Tuesday, expressing deep concern over the treatment of her late uncle, Dexter Adams. She said the incident reflects a broader pattern of disrespect toward Indigenous people in health care.
“We’re often just looked at in a demeaning manner when accessing health care,” Crowe told reporters.
Adams, 84, was from Pasqua First Nation and had been staying at the Royal Alexandra Hospital since March while awaiting transfer to a long-term care facility. According to Crowe, he was considered a high fall risk and had dementia.
On May 6, his wife, Eve, visited him at the hospital—as she often did—and was devastated to find his braids had been cut off and discarded in the trash without the family’s knowledge or consent.
“Braids are deeply significant in Indigenous culture,” said Brooks Arcand-Paul, Alberta’s Opposition critic for Indigenous relations. “They represent identity, spirituality, and strength. For many, they are a sacred connection to Creator.”
Crowe said her uncle’s braids were more than a hairstyle. “It was the essence of his spirit,” she said. “It was who he was. To have that cut off—it was a huge change in him.”
In addition to the braids, Crowe said other meaningful items were also missing, including an eagle feather and bear grease, a traditional Indigenous medicine. The braids were later found in a garbage bin, but the other items were never recovered.
Crowe criticized the hospital’s response to the incident, saying it lacked accountability and sensitivity.
The family is now calling for stronger cultural training and respect for Indigenous traditions across Canada’s health-care system.
