Through Indigenous Health, LHSC’s Indigenous Health team is taking active steps to advance more culturally safe, inclusive and equitable health care with Indigenous Peoples. We aim for our hospitals to be a place where Indigenous patients and families feel safe and valued, and where they have access to ceremony and traditional health practices and teachings. We are committed to walking the path of reconciliation, to listening and learning from the Indigenous communities we serve and answering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action related to health care.
LHSC is working towards building culturally safe and appropriate care and services:
- To improve access to quality care through a variety of providers, both clinical and non-clinical, addressing the physical, social, emotional and spiritual care needs of the patient.
- To provide resource support and advocacy for Indigenous patients, caregivers, and their families by appropriately responding to their health needs and goals.
- To assist in bridging the service gaps between Indigenous communities and health care providers by facilitating linkages to services.
- The Indigenous Health Team at LHSC includes clinical and non-clinical staff, who support LHSC’s fundamental commitments and strategic priorities.
- Wellness supports and services specific to Indigenous patients at LHSC and Children’s Hospital
Indigenous Healing Space
The Indigenous Healing Space was created in partnership with Atlohsa Family Healing Services as a direct response to two of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action related to healthcare. This space, located at E1-204 in Victoria Hospital, represents a culture-informed environment of care at LHSC and is used for Traditional Health Practices, Ceremony and Traditional Teachings.
LHSC Indigenous Health Team
Clinical Staff
- Andrea Racette, Indigenous Health Navigator, Emergency Department, Victoria Hospital
- Heather MacDonald, Indigenous Health Navigator, Emergency Department, University Hospital
- Brianna Kluwer, Indigenous Navigator, Mental Health Program, LHSC
- Kiara Alich, Child & Youth Indigenous Navigator, Children’s Hospital, LHSC
- Rachel Sutherland, Indigenous Patient Navigator, Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre
Non-Clinical Staff
- Chantel Antone, Indigenous Health Lead, LHSC
- Colleen Jewell, Indigenous Learning Developer-Indigenous Health/Learning & Development, LHSC
