Indigenous Health Services 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing culturally safe, respectful, and relationship-based care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis patients and families. We recognize the unique strengths, histories, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing impacts of colonization within health systems. Our approach to care is grounded in listening, trust, and accountability.

Our Indigenous Health Services team works alongside patients, families, communities, and hospital care teams to support access to care, improve health experiences, and address inequities within the hospital setting. This includes advocacy, system navigation, cultural support, and education for staff, all guided by Indigenous knowledge, lived experience, and partnerships.

We strive to create a healthcare environment where Indigenous patients feel seen, respected, and supported where cultural practices are honoured, voices are heard, and care is delivered with dignity and compassion.

Indigenous Patient Navigator Services

Indigenous Patient Navigators work alongside patients, families, and care teams to provide culturally safe, respectful, and coordinated support while accessing hospital services.

Indigenous Patient Navigators offer support that may include:

• Culturally relevant and culturally safe support
• Assistance with interpretation and translation services
• Support with discharge planning and follow-up care
• Liaison and communication support between patients, families, and healthcare teams
• Patient and family advocacy
• Coordination of traditional and non-traditional community resources, including transportation and Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
• Support for culturally respectful end-of-life care that honours patient goals, values, and wishes

Navigator services are provided through partnerships with Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services, and Noojmowin-Teg Health Centre. AHAC Navigators primarily support patients from their respective First Nation communities as outlined below.

HSN’s Indigenous Patient Navigators provide specialized, culturally supportive care in the following areas:

• Pediatrics
• Cancer Care
• Adult Inpatient Admissions

Patients and families can access Indigenous Patient Navigator services by:

• Emailing the Indigenous Health Office at indigenoushealth@hsnsudbury.ca
• Calling the Indigenous Health Administrative Secretary at 705-523-7100 ext. 2629
• Asking a member of their health-care team to submit a referral

Voluntary Self-Identification for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis

HSN implemented voluntary self-identification for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people to create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment.

At registration, every patient will be asked the following questions:

1. Do you identify as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit?
2. Do you consent to be connected with an Indigenous Patient Navigator upon admission?

If the patient identifies as Indigenous and consents to navigation services, they will be connected with an Indigenous Patient Navigator. 

By implementing voluntary self-identification for First Nation, Métis, or Inuit, we are taking meaningful steps towards reconciliation and equity.

Conversations About Cancer for Indigenous People

Dr. Erin Peltier, a First Nations family physician who has a special interest in cancer, speaks about cancer and the importance of cancer screening in a short, animated video series for Indigenous peoples of all ages. Click on the link below to see the video series.

Conversations about Cancer for Indigenous People

Mshkikii Gamik – Medicine Lodge Collaborative

Mshkikii Gamik is Anishinaabemowin for “a place of medicine – medicine lodge.”

HSN officially opened the Medicine Lodge in March 2010 in collaboration with Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre.

Mshkikii Gamik is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, Indigenous leaders, and healthcare leaders who tirelessly advocated for accessible healthcare. Their vision and commitment to improving health outcomes inspired the creation of this vital sacred space. Mshkikii Gamik fosters a collaborative approach respecting and integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices for patients and families at Health Sciences North.

Mshkikii Gamik is located at RLHC near the Tim Hortons/main entrance; the doors are propped open 0800-1630 Monday to Friday and is accessible after hours through HSN security or staff badge swipe. It was designed with doors wide enough to fit patient beds and has automatic doors. We encourage patients, families, and staff to sign-in on the sheet, but this is not mandatory. 

Mshkikii Gamik always has a shell, feather, matches, and the four sacred medicines available. For tobacco ties, please contact an Indigenous Patient Navigator.