​​​​​​Photo caption: Brant Community Healthcare System’s Indigenous Health Team. From far left: Dr. Karen Hill, Tanya Jonathan – social work student placement, Michelle Bomberry, Stephenie Rowe.​​

For several years, three important concepts have been at the heart of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples; truth, trust, and understanding.   ​

These concepts also drive Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) in its approach to the Indigenous health care journey.  An approach that aims to support Indigenous patients in an environment of quality care, inclusivity, and one which is culturally safe.   

To that end, in 2022, BCHS introduced The Indigenous Health Service (IHS).  This includes a full time Indigenous Patient Navigator who helps Indigenous patients through the Western health care system and assists with community and in-house resources. Alongside IHS was the creation of the Physician-led Indigenous Medicine Division (IMD). This division was meant to provide Indigenous Physician support to the Navigator and to physician colleagues within the system as well as a link to Traditional Medicines for patients. The goal of both the IHS and IMD is to ensure culturally safe and appropriate health care. 

“First and foremost, we are here to listen and from there we can advocate and support Indigenous patients,” said Michelle Bomberry, Manager, Indigenous Health Services.  “In the past, Indigenous patients were discouraged from using the language of their nation or denied being treated with traditional medicines in addition to Western medicines.  Our team is here to assist Indigenous patients as they navigate the health care system in ways they can understand and ways that support their identity.” 

Bomberry was hired as BCHS’ Manager of Indigenous Health Services in the Fall of 2024.  From the Cayuga Nation Turtle Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Michelle brings over 20 years of invaluable experience within the health, justice, and education sectors.  Dr. Karen Hill is the current lead of the Indigenous Medicine Division.  Dr. Hill is Mohawk Turtle Clan, from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.  She is trained as a family physician and has completed training in Traditional Indigenous Medicines as well. The parallel health care that includes both western and Indigenous ways of health and healing that Dr. Hill can provide is unique to the Indigenous Medicine Division. Dr. Hill describes her work as “Two Row Medicine”. Dr. Hill also hosts an informative podcast called Two Row Medicine discussing relationships in the 21st century using an Indigenous lens founded on the Two Row Wampum. 

“Our goal is to ensure the Indigenous perspective is respected and that we are made partners, not an afterthought, in the health care system,” said Dr. Hill.  

“For too long, our participation has been sought at the last minute to just check off a box for ‘inclusion’, but now we are working to educate health leaders and front-line staff that we must be involved from the beginning and be that strong voice for the Indigenous experience.” 

Along with Dr. Hill and Ms. Bomberry, the team also includes Stephenie Rowe, as the full-time Indigenous Patient Navigator. Two Indigenous staff members in the imaging department at BCHS, Colleen Montour and Michelle Jonathan, act as the casual Indigenous Patient Navigators.  The Navigators are the centre of the Indigenous Health Service. Their key role is to assist Indigenous patients and families on their journey through the Western health care system.  This includes helping with access to community and in-house resources, language translation services, planning for hospital discharge, support and advocacy through the patient relations process, and ensuring Indigenous patients and their traditional ways are being respected and served well.   

Photo caption: New Indigenous Family Space at the Brantford General Hospital​​

Recently, through a generous private donation, BCHS opened a new Indigenous Family ​Space adjacent to the Emergency Department.  This room has been dedicated as a safe space for Indigenous patients and families to practice their way of healing and to rest and recoup if they are supporting family through difficult times with their health. 

When asked about the future of the team’s efforts, Bomberry commented that, “We are just beginning.  Each day, our conversations with Indigenous patients and community members reveals ways to serve our communities. From there we make plans and actionize. We encourage our Indigenous community to contact us to share their stories, highlight their concerns, and help us build a more responsive system. Together we will build a strong BCHS.” ​