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Improving health outcomes of Indigenous children

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, it honours the children who never returned home as well as Survivors of residential schools and their families.

On this day and always Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is taking time to listen to Indigenous Elders, leaders and community members so we can reflect and walk together with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples on a path of reconciliation and healing.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action about the health of Indigenous communities provides us with a guide to support healing in ways that go beyond healthcare.

Every year over 140,000 kids need HSC Children’s Hospital. At any given time, 60 per cent of them are Indigenous; many from remote and northern communities who travel hundreds of kilometres from their families and cultural supports.

In Manitoba, Indigenous children are three to five times more likely to be affected by disease or other health conditions when compared to non-Indigenous children, a result of the systemic challenges Indigenous populations face. The TRC addresses this in its 18th and 19th Calls to Action. Indigenous peoples’ health is a result of past policies and the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities must be closed.

This is why everyone at Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, health care heroes at HSC Children’s Hospital and researchers at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba are committed to Reconciliation and improving health outcomes of all kids who need healthcare.

Call to Action 22 asks for the recognition of Indigenous healing practices for Indigenous patients. That’s why we’re supporting the development of the Indigenous Community Healing Space. It is needed for Indigenous patients and their families and is a priority as one of our ReconciliACTION initiatives.

In 2024, Children’s Hospital Foundation announced Janessa as the first Champion Child from a Northern remote First Nations community. Janessa’s home is in Pukatawagan and her healing journey highlights the challenges children in Manitoba’s remote and isolated communities face.

The project is Indigenous-led and has included consultation from First Nations, Métis and Inuit community members including children to ensure input is heard for the elements that will provide families with a culturally safe space for healing. It will a place where children and families can connect with each other and nurture their whole selves – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Elders, knowledge keepers, other Indigenous leaders in our medical community also helped build a framework for the development of this much-needed resource.

With this input the expanded Indigenous Community Healing Space design will include an area for traditional ceremonies like smudging, a library with Indigenous children’s books, ability to connect back home with community Elders and a place for visiting Elders, healers and knowledge keepers to share stories and help comfort kids like Janessa.

The work done and supported by Children’s Hospital Foundation to build the Indigenous Community Healing Space is officially endorsed by Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (August 2025).

Please help us continue supporting areas of need like the Indigenous Community Healing Space at goodbear.ca/indigenoushealth.