SHA introduces policy to protect Indigenous hair traditions – CBC
Aug 05, 2025
The Indigenous Hair Cutting Policy went into effect Aug. 1
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has introduced a new policy aimed at protecting the cultural and spiritual significance of hair for Indigenous patients in health-care settings.
In a newsletter sent to staff last Friday and obtained by CBC News, the SHA announced the Indigenous Hair Cutting Policy went into effect Aug. 1.
It requires health-care workers to get informed consent before cutting a patient’s hair, and ensure the respectful handling and return of hair when cutting is necessary.
