Niagara Health wants to ensure Indigenous people have access to proper healthcare.
At an event Thursday at the Niagara Glen Centre, a formal agreement with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council was announced, which those involved said is an important step toward Reconciliation.
The healthcare council is an Indigenous-governed, informed and culture-based organization with a mandate to support the advancement and evolution of Indigenous primary healthcare.
The council works with 25 Indigenous primary healthcare organizations across Ontario to promote the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
About 20 people were onhand for a spiritual introduction about the connection with humans and nature, provided by Jackie Labonte, a traditional healing coordinator who has worked with Niagara Health on a number of events.
Niagara Health is the first hospital system in Ontario to formalize this collaboration, but there is still a “long journey to go,” said Lynn Guerriero, president and chief executive officer of Niagara Health at the event.
It symbolizes a shared commitment both organizations have to improving Indigenous health services, and will require “listening and learning,” she added.
“This partnership is about trust, respect, and a shared responsibility,” she told the crowd in attendance.
It builds on Niagara Health’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, acknowledging the need for greater understanding, cultural safety and respect in healthcare for Indigenous Peoples, says a news release from Niagara Health.
“We are committed to working hand-in-hand” with the council and Indigenous partners “to ensure a hospital experience that is culturally safe, respectful and responsive for Indigenous Peoples,” said Guerriero.
The partnership between Niagara Health and the council will focus on developing joint initiatives aimed at improving Indigenous health outcomes and addressing healthcare inequities, with the two organizations collaborating on efforts such as Indigenous-led health programs, integrated care models and shared knowledge to better connect acute, primary and community-based healthcare services.
Central to this agreement is a commitment to “eliminating racism and discrimination in healthcare by ensuring that cultural safety is embedded in every aspect of service delivery,” said the Niagara Health news release.
Charity Beland, manager of Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation at Niagara Health, said the agreement is something to celebrate.
“Together, we will ensure that Indigenous health priorities are reflected in our practices and that the communities we serve have access to culturally safe, high-quality care,” she said.
Through this partnership, both organizations will co-develop solutions to meet the unique health needs of Indigenous communities and work to create pathways that prioritize cultural safety, respect and inclusion.
“This partnership is an important step towards creating a healthcare system that is responsive and respectful of Indigenous needs,” said Caroline Lidstone-Jones, CEO of the council, who signed the formal agreement with Guerriero at the end of Thursday’s event.
“It’s about recognizing that Indigenous health challenges are complex, but they can be addressed through collaboration, innovation and listening to the communities we serve,” she said.
“While there is much work ahead of us, this agreement lays the groundwork for transformative change in how we approach healthcare for Indigenous Peoples,” Lidstone-Jones added.
The agreement is a “significant step forward.” As part of this ongoing work, both Niagara Health and Indigenous council are committed to ensuring that all hospital staff receive cultural awareness training to create a more inclusive, respectful environment for Indigenous patients and families.
Through the agreement, both organizations are committed to “continuous learning, reflection and improvement,” and ensuring the best health outcomes are achieved.
