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Resources for Indigenous patients and families

At The Ottawa Hospital, we want to create culturally safe and respectful spaces for our patients and families who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous. A number of resources are available to support you.

Land acknowledgement

The Ottawa Hospital acknowledges it is located upon the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin people and respects the traditional knowledge and healing developed over generations. We have the privilege and responsibility to serve First Nations, Métis and Inuit of many backgrounds and from many treaty and non-treaty lands and territories and to demonstrate respect for the contributions and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. Learn more »

Smudging

Indigenous patients and families are welcome to hold smudging ceremonies at The Ottawa Hospital. Please talk to your care team about arranging a smudging ceremony.

Whenever possible, please give 24 hours’ notice if you would like to smudge inside the building so that required precautions can be taken.

Smudging Ceremony Standard Operating Procedure

The Windocage Community Room – General Campus

This room was designed in collaboration with community advisors to serve our First Nations, Inuit, and Métis patients and families. The room’s neutral colours and natural-looking materials are meant to reflect the natural world. We invite you to make use of the Windocage room to relax, reflect, and re-energize while you are at the hospital.

The Indigenous Cancer Program

The Champlain Indigenous Cancer Program was established to help improve the cancer care experience of Indigenous people.

We support our Indigenous patients and their families by:

  • Providing assistance navigating the health-care system
  • Helping co-ordinate services
  • Liaising with members of the health-care team to ensure continuity of care
  • Assisting with access to language and translation services
  • Providing support during clinic visits and other appointments
  • Preparing patients for their first appointment within the cancer program

We work with our health care team to provide support and education to ensure the delivery of culturally sensitive and safe care.

We work with our regional partners to address system issues with the goal of improving the patient experience with cancer care and access to services.

To connect with or request services of a member of our Indigenous Cancer Program team, please contact Mackenzie Daybutch, Indigenous Program Coordinator at mdaybutch@toh.ca or 613-737-7700 ext. 73607.

Stories from patients and families

Last updated on: April 6th, 2023