Elder-in-Residence and Traditional Healer, Kawennanoron Cynthia White (left) and Christine Monague, Indigenous Peer Support and Relations Advocate

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​The Centre for Wise Practice in Indigenous Health at Women's College Hospital (WCH) is expanding access to culturally appropriate healing and wellness services to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) patients through their healthcare journey. Through the integration of the Indigenous Health Clinic in Epic, the hospital's electronic medical record system, FNIM patients and community members can now be referred to see the Traditional Healer and Knowledge Keeper, just as they would any other practitioner at WCH.

“There are many barriers to healthcare due to historical and ongoing systemic mistreatment faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis," says Dr. Lisa Richardson, Strategic Lead in Indigenous Health at WCH (below)​​. “Creating a health system that recognizes and respects Indigenous knowledges and world views is critical to dismantling these systems of oppression – and integrating access to Indigenous healing and wellness supports is a big part of that."

As a result of this new integration, FNIM patients can now obtain referrals for healthcare services, including meeting with the Elder-in-Residence and Traditional Healer, Kawennanoron Cynthia White (left), who provides access to sacred medicines and traditional counselling, grieving support, addresses spiritual concerns, and more. Patients can also access the support of an Indigenous Relations and Peer Support Advocate, who can provide help navigating the health system and accessing services, health coordination services, advocacy, and can even attend appointments.

“This is a truly important step towards reconciliation in healthcare," says White. “There are some health concerns that may not be completely addressed by the western medical model – providing access to holistic and culturally relevant services that take into account mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing will go a long way in improving health outcomes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients and families."

Additionally, the Centre for Wise Practices has partnered with priority clinics to provide FNIM patients with easy access to smudging kits containing a variety of plant medicines, including sage, sweetgrass, cedar and tobacco. The medicines are kept in areas where they can be seen and requested by FNIM patients waiting for their appointments, and clinical teams are provided with training and guidance on how to handle the medicines and support patients in accessing the kits.

​“Having access to sacred medicines is so powerful," says Christine Monague, Indigenous Peer Support and Relations Advocate. “In my work with Indigenous patients, who are often navigating difficult or stressful situations, I have seen what a difference simply being handed sage or sweetgrass can make. Having access to smudging provides comfort and grounding, and really signals that the hospital is a culturally safe place."