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When your need is spiritual

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This article was published 24/09/2022 (1290 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A quiet, private space made for smudging ceremonies is welcoming Indigenous patients and their families at St. Boniface Hospital, made possible by Foundation donor support.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s Indigenous Health program opened the new space on the main floor at the start of 2022. Patients and their families in St. Boniface can access the space at any time by invitation and/or request.

Interpreter resource workers with Indigenous Health collaborate with their counterparts on the Nursing and Spiritual Care teams at the Hospital to develop care plans for patients that include loved ones.

“Taking care of patient and family is one and the same in our culture; it’s synonymous. This new space allows us to do that,” said Suzanne Mozdzen, Site Coordinator, WRHA Indigenous Health – Patient Services.

The space can be used for visiting or family meetings, or just to take a break off the unit. “Sometimes you need to go for a walk and find someplace safe,” said Mozdzen.

In addition to the dedicated smudging room, the space includes a comfortable seating area with a TV, and books and games to lend out.

Indigenous Health supports the development and delivery of culturally-appropriate programs and services to meet the needs of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Manitobans while informing and leading reconciliation and decolonization efforts throughout the Hospital and health region. The Indigenous Health team at St. Boniface also provides language interpretation in Cree, Ojibwe, and Oji-Cree.

St. Boniface Hospital Foundation joins all Canadians in commemorating the history and legacy of residential schools on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Friday, September 30.

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