At Hamilton Health Sciences, we are privileged to provide care on lands that Indigenous peoples have called home for thousands of years. This page contains information about how we support Indigenous patients and families in our hospitals and centres.
Aboriginal Patient Navigators
Land Statement
In consultation with our partners from surrounding Indigenous communities, we have developed and are proud to share the following land statement:
We are privileged to provide care on lands that Indigenous peoples have called home for thousands of years. We recognize and respect the presence and stewardship of all Indigenous peoples as keepers of this land.
Makayla’s Room – McMaster Children’s Hospital
Makayla’s Room – Mkoonhs Zonghehgii in the Anishnaabe language – offers a quiet space for all patients and families at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) to retreat, reflect, and to learn about and participate in Indigenous culture. Amenities include:
- A small kitchenette
- Comfortable seating
- Activities for children and families
- Storage for cultural supplies
Makayla’s Story
In 2014, Makayla Sault, was diagnosed with Leukemia and came to MCH for treatment. Her decision to stop chemotherapy because of severe side effects became the centre of a heated national debate, which her family describes as traumatic. But she was firm in her decision and fought for her wishes, which were ultimately honoured. She bravely continued to receive both Western and Traditional Indigenous healthcare services. She died peacefully at her home on the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in 2015. Makayla’s Room was unveiled at MCH in 2018 in her honour, and as part of Hamilton Health Sciences’ on-going commitment to reconciliation efforts.
Signs of Welcome
HHS has collaborated with Indigenous leaders and artists to create Signs of Welcome displayed at our sites. Each sign features an image from a local Indigenous artist and includes the opening sentence of HHS’ land acknowledgement statement.
Elder with Smudge Bowl
The image of an Elder with a smudge bowl and eagle feather has been adapted by artist Jay Havens from the mural he created for Makayla’s Room at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Jay Havens is a multi-disciplinary artist of Haudenosaunee-Mohawk and Scottish-Canadian ancestry and a proud member of the Six Nations of the Grand River, Mohawk Bear Clan.
Moccasin Images
The image of three moccasins is adapted from artwork created by Philip Cote for the Moccasin Identifier Project, founded by Carolyn King, former elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The project aims to create a visual reminder to recognize and honour traditional territory of Indigenous peoples. Some of these images have been engraved into stone walls at Trillium Park (Ontario Place).
Philip Cote is Shawnee, Lakota, Potawatomi and Ojibway from Moose Deer Point First Nation and a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design.
Turtle and Seven Generations
Created by Tracey Anthony, Turtle and Seven Generations includes the image of a turtle. The feather on its back has seven segments, reflecting the Seven Generations principle that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future. The four legs represent the “Four Directions” such as those found in the Medicine Wheel.
Tracey Anthony’s mother is Mississauga (Ojibway) from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations reserve. His father was Delaware (Lenni Lenape) from the Six Nations reserve. In his artwork, Tracey incorporates Ojibway, Delaware, and Iroquoian influences.
Deliverance of Sky Woman
This image by Arnold Jacobs depicts Sky Woman, the mother goddess, descending to earth. Waterbirds carry her down to the sea and set her on the back of a turtle (Turtle Island) which becomes her home. Arnold Jacobs is an Onondaga artist raised within the traditional culture and language of Six Nations of the Grand River territory, where he resides with his family.
His works are an expression of his connection to his spirituality. His symbols of the earth and sky, water, wind, thunder, moon and sun, along with other related themes depicts the traditional ways of the Haudenosaunee, their clans and culture.
Smudging in Hospital
Hamilton Health Sciences supports smudging in our hospitals for spiritual and ceremonial purposes. With the input and guidance of stakeholders from Aboriginal communities, we have developed a smudging policy to guide this practice within the hospital.
If you or a loved one wishes to hold a smudging ceremony during your stay at one of our hospitals or centres, please speak with a member of your healthcare team who will connect you to our Spiritual Care team for support.
Family Resources
View our concise resource guide supporting Indigenous patients and families. There are 7 resources that have been vetted by Indigenous community partners. The presentation of services begins at the most local level within the Hamilton community, and flows outward into the Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississauga of the Credit First Nation and then provincially and federally. These Indigenous service providers highlighted are centred on mental health supports for children, youth, adults and families, but offer a robust range of additional programs.