Hamilton Health Sciences celebrates an important step toward health equity with the opening of its third Indigenous Healing Space, creating a welcoming place where Indigenous ways of healing are celebrated and protected.
Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) marked a meaningful step toward health equity with the opening of a new Indigenous Healing Space at St. Peter’s Hospital, a place where Indigenous ways of healing are celebrated and protected. It is the third such space at HHS, joining those at McMaster Children’s Hospital and Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre.
The October 6 ceremony brought together Indigenous advocates, hospital leaders and community members to celebrate a space dedicated to cultural connection, truth and reconciliation, and better health outcomes for Indigenous patients. It reflects years of advocacy to make Indigenous cultural practices welcome in health-care settings and help patients feel seen, heard and supported in their healing.
A Gift Made Possible Through Generosity
The project was made possible in part through the estate of longtime supporters Ralph Gordon and Eileen Dorothy Connor. Their gift helped turn the advocacy of many into a physical reality.
“This space is a beautiful example of what generosity and community advocacy can achieve together.”
Anissa Hilborn, CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences
Continuing the Journey Toward Culturally Safe Care
While the opening marks an important milestone, it also points toward the work ahead. Creating culturally safe environments where Indigenous patients feel a sense of belonging is an important part of building a more compassionate and inclusive health-care system.
The new space invites us to imagine what better health care can look like, and to continue listening, learning and acting together to make it a reality.