The Sault Area Hospital (SAH) and Ontario’s only Indigenous-led, Indigenous-focused Ontario Health Team have signed an agreement formalizing their commitment to delivering culturally sensitive, patient-centred and equitable healthcare for Indigenous peoples.
In an event held at the SAH, Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc., as a core partner of the Maamwesying Ontario Health Team (MOHT) signed the agreement for healthcare in northeastern Ontario.
During the signing ceremony, a blanket exercise was held to foster a deeper understanding of history and the enduring impact of colonization on Indigenous communities.
The two organizations shared more details in the following news release:
In an historic event held at the Sault Area Hospital, Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc., as a core partner of the Maamwesying Ontario Health Team (MOHT) and Sault Area Hospital officially signed a Collaboration Agreement, formalizing their commitment to delivering culturally sensitive, patient-centred, and equitable healthcare for Indigenous peoples in the North East Region.
As Ontario’s only Indigenous-led, Indigenous-focused Ontario Health Team, the MOHT celebrates this milestone, which outlines a continuing process to promote further understanding, embracing Indigenous culture in healthcare delivery in Sault Ste. Marie and area.
Developing and maintaining Collaborative Partnerships is work that is core to the MOHT. As Collaborative Partners, the MOHT and Sault Area Hospital commit to advancing cultural safety training while exploring additional opportunities to enhance care coordination and initiatives.
Other MOHT Collaborative Partners include Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre, St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake, Health Sciences North, Algoma Public Health, Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services, Registered Nurses of Ontario (RNAO), North Shore Health Network, Lady Dunn Health Centre, Chapleau Health Services, and Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
During the Signing Ceremony, a Blanket Exercise was held to foster a deeper understanding of the history of Turtle Island, now known as Canada, and the enduring impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities. This interactive learning experience provided an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and a shared commitment to advancing reconciliation and improving Indigenous healthcare.
The mission is to collaborate with our community partners to provide accessible, quality, culturally safe and holistic health care to support and enhance the wellness of individuals, families and communities.
Sault Area Hospital
The Sault Area Hospital’s Strategic Plan commits to providing inclusive and culturally safe care to all, beginning with a focus on Indigenous health and continuing to improve overall access, equity and respect for diversity.
Incorporating traditional health practices and offering support and services tailored specifically to the needs of Indigenous Peoples helps to create a more inclusive and culturally safe patient care setting.
These support services include voluntary Indigenous Self Identification, access to Indigenous Patient Navigators, a Spirit Room for traditional ceremonies, and initiatives for Truth & Reconciliation, such as Grandfather Gardens and Orange Shirt Day.
Maamwesying Ontario Health Team is supported by funding from the Government of Ontario.