Land Acknowledgement
Southlake Health recognizes and acknowledges the lands originally used and occupied by the First Peoples of the Williams Treaties First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples, and on behalf of Southlake Health, we would like to thank them for sharing this land. We would also like to acknowledge the Chippewa’s of Georgina Island First Nation as our closest First Nation community and recognize the unique relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this territory. They are the water protectors and environmental stewards of these lands and we join them in these responsibilities.
Southlake Health provides culturally safe, inclusive, and equitable healthcare, with the support of the Indigenous community The Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) offers support to Indigenous patients, families, and caregivers throughout their health journey. IPN services are available to those who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis to bridge the gap between Indigenous communities and healthcare providers. IPN services also include cultural supports for individuals who want a traditional healing journey.
Voluntary Self-identification for Indigenous Patients and Family Members
As part of Southlake Health’s registration process, all patients are asked if they would like to self-identify as Indigenous. If a patient has Indigenous ancestry, they may self-identify based on how they define their identity. The patient’s answer is added to their electronic health record. They will be asked again by a healthcare provider and can change their answer at any time. Once a patient self-identifies, they have the option to be connected with the IPN.
IPN supports are available to:
- Advocate for Indigenous patients and their family members
- Coordinate community resources and healing supports
- Provide counselling
- Accommodate requests for spiritual ceremonies and traditional medicines (such as smudging, cedar baths and more)
- Assist with care and discharge planning
- Advocate for respectful end-of-life care
- Help explain what to expect during a patient’s healthcare journey
- Act as a resource for a patient’s care team and advise staff on Indigenous cultural safety as needed, at any point during patient care
Meet Jennifer Trumble, Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN)
Jennifer is a proud band member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, and her values reflect principles of character honored by the Anishinaabe people. Her career in support services has been a life-long learning experience through both academic and applied practices. The IPN role is designed to meet the needs of Indigenous patients through advocacy, discharge planning, individualized cultural support, access to cultural, mental, emotional, and spiritual support, and linking patients and families to community resources.
How to access care
If a patient has self-identified as Indigenous, a referral will be sent to the IPN. Patients can also ask a member of their healthcare team to connect them with the IPN or connect directly:
Jennifer Trumble, SSW, CBT, BSW
Phone: 905-955-0973
Email: JTrumble@southlake.ca
Pronouns: She/Her
Smudging at Southlake Health
Southlake Health recognizes a smudging ceremony as a holistic cultural health practice used in prayers, offerings, cleansing, and spiritual healing of mind, heart, and body. The Ontario Human Rights Code, Canadian Human Rights Act, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples include legal protections for the fundamental right of Indigenous peoples to freely practice their religious and spiritual traditions and to be treated equally and with dignity.
With input and guidance from Indigenous partners and their communities, Southlake Health has developed a smudging policy to guide this practice within the hospital and cancer center. If patients or family members would like to hold a smudging ceremony, please connect with the IPN for support.
Local Indigenous items now available in the gift shop
The gift shop is now selling a small selection of authentic Indigenous jewelry, art, and healing stones handpicked by Jennifer, Southlake Health’s Indigenous Patient Navigator. All items are created by local Indigenous creators and artists. Supporting and working with local Indigenous communities builds trust and long-lasting partnerships.
Spiritual Care at Southlake
Imagine a healthcare journey that nurtures not only your body but also your spirit, recognizing the important role spiritual health plays in your total state of health. At Southlake, we believe that holistic health involves caring for a person’s mind, body, and soul. Our spiritual care program is central to this approach, providing a sanctuary of support to patients, families, and staff. We welcome individuals of all faiths, as well as those who do not identify with any particular religion. Knowing that spirituality takes many forms, our goal is to help you connect with the source of strength that resonates most deeply with you.
Why Spiritual Care Matters
Illness, injury, or life’s challenges often lead to asking deep questions about life meaning, purpose, faith and hope. As you seek deeper meaning, and answers in such moments, our devoted Spiritual Care team stands ready to walk alongside you through these experiences, providing:
- A compassionate presence in moments of uncertainty
- Guidance in exploring life’s deeper questions
- Support that respect your unique beliefs and cultural background
- Connection to your personal faith traditions or sources of inner strength
Our Services
Whether you are an inpatient, outpatient, family member of a patient or valued staff member, our Spiritual Care team offers:
- One-on-one emotional and spiritual support
- Advocacy for culturally sensitive care
- End-of-life care and grief counselling
- Prayer, meditation, and ritual facilitation
- Spiritual guidance in complex healthcare decisions
- Access to multi-faith resources and sacred spaces
The Multi-Faith Prayer Room
Our sacred multi-faith rooms are available 24/7 and all faith or religious background are welcome to use the space for prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. We have three multi-faith sacred rooms at our Davis Drive site in the following location:
- First floor of our main building in the chapel near the Tim Hortons
- Second floor of the main building near the central elevators
- Second level of the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre
These sacred spaces offer a diverse collection of religious texts, prayer rugs and meditation aids and a peaceful atmosphere for individual or group spiritual practices. Our committed volunteers ensure these spaces remain serene sanctuaries for prayer, meditation, and spiritual rejuvenation.
Meet Our Spiritual Care Practitioner
Our spiritual care team is led by Reverend David McCleary, our dedicated Spiritual Care Practitioner. Reverend McCleary has over two-decades of ministry experience across diverse contexts supporting the spiritual and emotional health of patients and families from all beliefs.
As Southlake’s Spiritual Care Practitioner, Reverend McCleary guides you through life’s challenges with empathy, understanding, and respect for your beliefs. His holistic approach is informed by psychology, theology, and martial arts and creates an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued regardless of their faith or background.
Reverend McCleary is also a devoted husband and father. He balances his ministry with family life and brings enthusiasm to Southlake to positively impact our community. Fueled by faith, experience, and a love for coffee, Reverend McCleary says, “We are here to listen without judgment, offer guidance when needed, and help you navigate the spiritual aspects of your healthcare journey.”
How to Access Spiritual Care
Connecting with our Spiritual Care team is simple. You can access our services by referral from any departments and our team routinely rounds most hospital units. Below are ways to access spiritual care:
- Request a referral from your care team
- Contact us directly by phone or email
- From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. call us directly at ext. 2198 (internal) or 289-763-3350 (external).
- After 4 p.m., please call 289-763-5367.
- Email spiritualcare@southlake.ca or dmccleary@southlake.ca.
After your request is received, a practitioner or volunteer will follow up personally to address your spiritual needs.
