At London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), advancing Indigenous health is a shared responsibility. Guided by our Indigenous Health Team and informed by the voices of Indigenous patients, families, and communities, our work is grounded in traditional knowledge, lived experience, and collaboration.
This year, LHSC has continued the effort to create culturally safe and responsive spaces by honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as hosting an Indigenous Voices Matter community engagement event. Through expanded access to ceremony and traditional medicines, the Visiting Elders program, and educational opportunities that deepen understanding of Indigenous histories and contemporary realities, we are actively working to ensure Indigenous Peoples feel seen, heard, and supported across our hospital system.
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day 2024
On June 21, 2024, LHSC marked National Indigenous Peoples Day with cultural celebrations at Victoria, Children’s, and University hospitals. Patients, visitors, and members of Team LHSC gathered to experience the sights and sounds of traditional drumming, singing, and ceremonial smoke dancing, accompanied by teachings from Elders Mike Hopkins from Delaware First Nation and Chris George from Oneida Nation of the Thames.
“The traditional teachings of the strawberry, also known as the heart berry, speak to love, community, and connection, which I believe encompassed the true spirit of this celebration,” shared Marley Fisher, Dietician with Chippewas of the Thames Health Centre.
The event represented a culmination of meaningful collaboration between LHSC’s Indigenous Health team and community partners, including the Chippewas of the Thames Health Centre, Indigenous Culinary Community Group, Compass One Healthcare, London Arts Council, and Fanshawe College. A culturally rich menu curated by Chef Tonya French of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation featured bison burgers, Three Sisters salad, traditional corn soup, and strawberry drink.
More than 400 meals were purchased, with $1,678 in net proceeds donated to Fanshawe College’s Institute of Indigenous Learning in support of a student demonstrating a strong commitment to Indigenous food sovereignty. The event was visually anchored by original artwork from Oijbwe and Oneida artist, Memengwaans Ireland, titled Food Connections, which highlighted the importance of food in strengthening ties to land, culture, and community.
“This event was a success in bringing Indigenous cultures and traditions to the hospital,” said Chantel Antone, Indigenous Health Lead at LHSC. “It served as another step towards creating an environment at LHSC where First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Urban Indigenous Peoples can feel valued and respected.”
Strengthening connections through Indigenous Voices Matter
In July 2024, LHSC welcomed First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Urban Indigenous (FNMIU) patients, families, and community members to the second annual Indigenous Voices Matter community engagement event. Once again, the event offered a unique opportunity for Indigenous individuals to share their experiences, offer feedback, and help shape a more welcoming and culturally safe care environment.
“We are proud to have had the opportunity to once again engage in meaningful discussions with Indigenous patients, families, and community members,” says Chantel Antone, Indigenous Health Lead at LHSC.
The event provided a platform for dialogue with members of Team LHSC, allowing attendees to ask questions, share personal care experiences, and receive updates on progress made since the first Indigenous Voices Matter gathering in 2023.
“At last year’s event, we received a lot of feedback on how we can improve care experiences and contribute to better health outcomes for Indigenous patients,” adds Atone. “It was an honour to share our progress with this year’s attendees.”
Reflecting on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, LHSC reaffirmed its commitment to Reconciliation through learning, reflection, and solidarity with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous (FNIMU) communities. On September 30, 2024, Team LHSC was invited to wear orange and participate in a meaningful educational event hosted by the Indigenous Health team.
The event, Residential Schools’ Missing Children: A Forensic Perspective, featured LHSC Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Rebekah Jacques, who shared insight into the history and lasting impact of Residential Schools in Canada. Drawing from her work on the National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools, Dr. Jacques spoke to the intergenerational trauma endured by Indigenous Peoples and the role of forensic science in the ongoing search for unmarked burial sites.
This powerful session, offered both in-person and via livestream, provided Team LHSC with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Canada’s colonial history and reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action specific to health care. It served as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging harms while actively working to build a more inclusive and equitable health system.
Through education and open dialogue, LHSC continues to support Reconciliation and honour the strength and resilience of FNIMU communities.
Over the past year, LHSC has continued to strengthen its support for Indigenous patients and families by expanding access to traditional medicines, ceremony, and the Visiting Elders program, as well as by delivering staff education initiatives focused on cultural safety and Reconciliation. These efforts are contributing to more inclusive, respectful care experiences while reinforcing LHSC’s responsibility to uphold values of equity, truth, and healing.