Throughout the month of June, KHSC came together to honour National Indigenous History Month and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, creating space for reflection, learning and meaningful community connection.
This year's observances were grounded in a commitment to deepening understanding and fostering culturally safer care. A significant milestone was the launch of Foundations: Working Toward Indigenous Cultural Safety, a new mandatory eLearning course now assigned to all KHSC staff. Through this shared learning journey, participants are building a stronger understanding of Indigenous cultural safety, the lasting impacts of colonization on health and health care, and the practical steps each of us can take to provide more culturally responsive care.
Learning also took place through hands-on, community-led experiences. At a craft circle hosted by the Indigenous Staff Community Group, participants gathered to listen, learn and create, making medicine bags while sharing stories with each other in a respectful and welcoming space.
Collaboration played an important role throughout the month. Inclusion, alongside the South East Regional Indigenous Cancer Program, connected with staff, physicians, learners, volunteers, patients and families through an information table at KHSC. Beyond the hospital walls, teams also joined community events in support of Two-Spirit Awareness as well as National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), helping to amplify awareness of Indigenous programs, spaces and supports.
These efforts highlighted resources available within KHSC, including the Mamawi Room at the KGH site on Connell 6, an Indigenous healing space where patients and families can gather for traditional practices. They also showcased supports such as making medicine bundles available through the Spiritual Health team, and key roles dedicated to Indigenous patient care, including the Indigenous Navigator for the South East Regional Cancer Program and the Indigenous Chronic Kidney Disease Navigator.
As KHSC explores future enhancements to the Mamawi Room, patients and community members are invited to share their input through a brief survey: https://kingstonhsc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oKQrcr3JsbcwYe
Together, these initiatives reflect an ongoing commitment to reconciliation, whereby KHSC continues to strengthen relationships, foster understanding and advance care that is respectful, inclusive and responsive to the needs of Indigenous patients and communities.
