Caroline Lidstone-Jones, CEO, IPHCC (left) and Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health (right) signed a relationship agreement marking an important step forward in the hospital’s ongoing journey towards Reconciliation.
Niagara Health is proud to announce its formal partnership with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC), marking an important step forward in our ongoing journey towards Reconciliation.
As the first hospital in Ontario to formalize this collaboration, Niagara Health remains committed to learning, growing and taking action to improve healthcare experiences for Indigenous Peoples.
The agreement, which was made official during a traditional signing ceremony on Feb. 27, symbolizes a shared commitment both organizations have to improving Indigenous health services through collaboration and respect.
This partnership builds on Niagara Health’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, acknowledging the need for greater understanding, cultural safety and respect in healthcare for Indigenous Peoples.
“The signing of this partnership marks an important milestone for us,” says Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health. “While we are making significant progress, we know there is more to be done in order to serve the needs of Indigenous communities. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with IPHCC and our Indigenous partners to ensure a hospital experience that is culturally safe, respectful and responsive for Indigenous Peoples.”
The partnership between Niagara Health and IPHCC focuses on developing joint initiatives aimed at improving Indigenous health outcomes and addressing healthcare inequities. The two organizations will collaborate on initiatives such as Indigenous-led health programs, integrated care models and shared knowledge to better connect acute, primary and community-based healthcare services. Central to this agreement is a commitment to eliminating racism and discrimination in healthcare by ensuring that cultural safety is embedded in every aspect of service delivery.
“We are thrilled to formalize our partnership with IPHCC,” says Charity Beland, Manager of Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation at Niagara Health. “Together, we will ensure that Indigenous health priorities are reflected in our practices and that the communities we serve have access to culturally safe, high-quality care.”
IPHCC works with 25 Indigenous primary healthcare organizations across Ontario to promote the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Through this partnership, both organizations will co-develop solutions to meet the unique health needs of Indigenous communities and work to create pathways that prioritize cultural safety, respect and inclusion.
“This partnership is an important step towards creating a healthcare system that is responsive and respectful of Indigenous needs,” says Caroline Lidstone-Jones, CEO of IPHCC. “It’s about recognizing that Indigenous health challenges are complex, but they can be addressed through collaboration, innovation and listening to the communities we serve. While there is much work ahead of us, this agreement lays the groundwork for transformative change in how we approach healthcare for Indigenous Peoples.”
As part of this ongoing work, both Niagara Health and IPHCC are committed to ensuring that all hospital staff receive cultural awareness training to create a more inclusive, respectful environment for Indigenous patients and families. This partnership is built on a foundation of trust, with both organizations committed to continuous learning, reflection and improvement. Central to this vision is the recognition that the best health outcomes for Indigenous communities are achieved when care is led by Indigenous peoples, grounded in Indigenous knowledge and guided by community priorities
For more information about IPHCC, visit https://iphcc.ca/. More information about the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team is available on Niagara Health’s website.
