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.
