A New, Safe Cultural Space Opened on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Published Monday, October 17, 2022
On September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a powerful symbol of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s commitment to providing safe, quality and respectful care to Indigenous patients was unveiled.
A 20-foot tall tipi has been raised on the grounds of the Hospital. Elder Myria Esquega (member of Fort William First Nation) led the ceremonial opening of the tipi with prayer and smudging with the sacred medicines, tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass.
“Having a tipi onsite at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is a culturally significant moment for our organization,” said Crystal Pirie, Senior Director, Indigenous Collaboration. “It symbolizes our Hospital’s commitment to supporting and enhancing Indigenous peoples’ healing journey while in our care.”
The Indigenous approach to health is to provide treatment for all aspects of oneself – the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self to be able to fully heal. The tipi will serve as a safe cultural space that will allow for gatherings, ceremony, teachings and storytelling.
“We take our role in Truth and Reconciliation as a regional acute care provider very seriously,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, TBRHSC and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “We have undertaken a number of initiatives to support healing and reconciliation.”
The materials and construction of the tipi and accompanying firewood and wool blankets were funded by generous donors to the Health Sciences Foundation, through a Family CARE (Care Advancements Recommended by Employees) Grant. Employees of the hospital apply for these grants for the ‘little things’ that can make a significant difference to patient care.
If you would like to donate to the Hospital through the Family CARE Grants program, you can donate online at healthsciencesfoundation.ca/familycare or by calling 807-345-4673.