Indigenous Health - Sault Area Hospital

We acknowledge the diversity, history and heritage of Indigenous people in the community, and we are privileged to provide health services in Algoma.

SAH’s Strategic Plan outlines the importance of providing inclusive and culturally safe care to all, beginning with a focus on Indigenous health. We are committed to building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities as we continue to foster partnerships with Batchewana and Garden River First Nations. SAH is working to create an environment that supports culture and traditions and improves health outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

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.

Land Acknowledgement We acknowledge that Sault Area Hospital is situated upon the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg, specifically Garden River First Nation and Batchewana First Nation, as well as the Métis People. This land, Baawaating, is the historic meeting place for Indigenous people across North America. This territory is included in the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850.

We say miigwetch to all Indigenous and Métis partners for sharing this land, and we recognize their enduring presence.

We acknowledge the diversity, history and heritage of Indigenous people in the community and we are privileged to provide health services in Algoma. SAH is working to create an environment that supports culture and traditions, and improves health outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

SAH’s Strategic Plan outlines the importance of providing inclusive and culturally safe care to all, beginning with a focus on Indigenous health. Incorporating traditional health practices and offering supports and services tailored specifically to the needs of Indigenous peoples helps to create a more inclusive and culturally safe patient care setting.

Over the last few years, we have worked with our Indigenous partners to identify and address priority health concerns and health equity gaps for Indigenous patients and their families. First Nation partners have recommended dedicated Indigenous Navigators in the Emergency Department. Navigators help to connect patients/clients to ongoing support and follow up in the community. We welcome SAH internal candidates, Jayne Risse and Samantha Tatasciore as our Indigenous Patient Navigators.

We recognize the contributions that Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community, our province, and country as a whole. SAH is pleased to share this important step in our ongoing work and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation calls to action.

Spirit Room - Traditional Ceremonies

The Spirit Room (C1803) is available 24/7 as a non-denominational space for spiritual ceremonies, including ceremonial burnings and smudging.

Please contact the switchboard at extension 0 prior to any burnings, adhering to the Spiritual Ceremonies Involving Burnings Policy. The room also offers access to courtyard space.

Patients are asked to consult with their Care Team to book the space.

Traditional medicines and liquid smudge, for patients unable to leave their rooms, are available.

SAH Initiatives for Truth and Reconciliation

SAH is working to create an environment that supports culture and traditions, and improves health outcomes for Indigenous peoples. We continue to work collaboratively on this important journey.

Learn more about the initiatives taking place at SAH by clicking on the slides below.