Aboriginal Liaison
Marlene Collins carries out her duties with sincere compassion for everyone by a prayer, a hug and a song which can go a long way to helping heal patients at the Bonnyville Health Centre. By introducing Indigenous traditions such as smudge ceremonies with elders, Marlene helps build trust and caring relationships between staff and Indigenous patients and their families. Patients feel they can confide in Marlene in situations they might otherwise be uncomfortable, improving their chances for recovery.
Marlene is fluent in Cree, which enables her to communicate with many patients in their first language and help them understand information. She creates an aura by allowing the indigenous communities to follow their time-honored traditions and ceremonies.