Indigenous Healing Space

As a part of LHSC’s Health Equity strategy, a formal partnership with Atlohsa Family Healing Services to co-design and lead LHSC’s Indigenous Healing Strategy was established in June 2020. Through this collaborative partnership an Indigenous Healing Services Advisor is available to enhance the care experience of Indigenous patients and families and is located within an Indigenous Healing Space.

The Indigenous Healing Space is a direct response to two of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action under health care, “to address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harms caused by residential schools,” by recognizing "the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders, where requested by Aboriginal patients.”

Indigenous Healing Services integrates the concept of ‘culture as care’ into the clinical practices currently offered within the walls of London Health Science Centre and Children’s Hospital. This Sacred Space will create a culture-informed environment of care at LHSC which will include deliberate use of the Indigenous Healing Space for Traditional Health Practices, Ceremony and Traditional Teachings.

The Indigenous Healing Space will also be utilized for creating a collaborative atmosphere whereby other Indigenous health-care agencies can have a dedicated Sacred Space to provide services to their clients should they require hospitalization.

Accessing Indigenous Healing Services

Who can access these services?
The Indigenous Healing Space and its services will be given priority to Indigenous inpatients and outpatients of London Health Sciences Centre and Children’s Hospital, and their families.

How can I access services?
Health-care providers and community agencies can make referrals. Patients and families may also self-refer. Referrals can be made electronically by emailing Dylan.White@lhsc.on.ca or by phone at 519-685-8500 extension 77544.