The agreement aims to integrate indigenous cultural knowledge and traditional practices into the health care system.
news release
Mamwesin North Shore Community Health Services
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Mamwesin North Shore Community Health Services, Inc., as a key partner of the Mamwesin Ontario Health team, held a signing ceremony with St. Joseph’s General Hospital, Elliot Lake, at the St. Joseph’s General Hospital Cafeteria, Elliot Lake on May 24, 2024. The agreement aims to integrate Indigenous cultural knowledge and traditional practices into the health care system, thereby improving access to and awareness of Indigenous health services available in the Northeast region.
Announced in October 2022, the Ontario Mamwesin Health Team is dedicated to seamlessly integrating health services for clients in Atikameksheng Anishnabek, Sagamok Anishnabek, Serpent River First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, Thesalon First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Batchwana First Nation, Missipicoten First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation, Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation, Brunswick House First Nation and the following communities:
Indigenous people living in urban areas of Sault Ste. Marie.
“This partnership marks a major step forward in our mission to build a health system that truly respects and incorporates Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
“We are thrilled to announce this exciting milestone in our efforts to support the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Carol Eshkakogan, CEO of Mamwesin North Shore Community Health Services Inc. and chair of Mamwesin Ontario.
Health Team Leadership Council. “Working closely with St. Joseph's General Hospital Elliot Lake strengthens our commitment to providing health care culturally.
“We will provide appropriate care and ensure Indigenous communities have the resources and support they need to achieve optimal health outcomes.”
The collaboration between the Mamwesin Ontario Health team and St. Joseph's General Hospital Elliot Lake is driven by a vision to provide coordinated care.
Delivering seamless care and ensuring optimal outcomes for Indigenous patients, clients and communities. This collaboration aims to improve access to quality healthcare.
Improve outcomes and enhance equitable and culturally safe patient care while actively engaging Indigenous health care leaders and advisors in planning.
Designing, delivering and evaluating public health services to improve patient, caregiver and provider satisfaction and experience.
“Today marks an important milestone in our partnership with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. This collaboration with the Mamwesin Ontario Health Team is more than an agreement; it is a commitment to walk alongside and respect the wisdom and traditions of Indigenous communities,” said Jeremy Stevenson, CEO of St. Joseph's General Hospital.
“By coming together and working for the wellbeing of all, we strive to create a future where health equity is a reality, not an aspiration. Through our partnership, we will ensure that St. Joseph's General Hospital, as a premier medical centre, puts the wellbeing of all people, including Indigenous people, first and foremost. Under Mamwesingh's leadership, by building on a foundation of mutual respect and knowledge sharing, we are laying the foundation for health care for future generations,” he added.
By signing this agreement, the Maamwesying Ontario Health Team and St. Joseph's General Hospital Elliot Lake are committed to working together to create culturally safe spaces within the health care system and support the design and delivery of health care programs and services to ensure Indigenous patients have the support they need to receive the right treatment at the right time.
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