Elder Services / Traditional Healing / Language Interpretation

The primary long-term focus for Abintci Mino-Ayawin is on the health care needs of young Aboriginal children ages 0 -6 and their families. Abinotci serves Aboriginal families who have children residing with them, ages 0 to 6 years, living in Winnipeg, under conditions of risk.

The Aboriginal Student Services Centre (ASSC) is proud to have the wisdom and knowledge of our council of Elders. In addition to the traditional teachings and cultural activities held within the ASSC, our Elders provide guest lectures, counselling services and guidance for all students, faculty and support staff on campus. The Aboriginal Student Council (ASC) and the ASSC host a number of social and cultural events for registered Indigenous students and their immediate families.

Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is an Indigenous-led evidence-based model that assists families involved with CFS mandated agencies become the decision makers in reunifying their families. All members of a family meet to discuss what is needed to ensure their child(ren) will be cared for and safe, supported by a FGC mentor and a broad range of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata wrap around supports and services. FGC acknowledges that families have the capacity and expertise to address family concerns and develop their own care plans with success and accountability, provided they have adequate resources and relevant information to guide and support their decisions.

The program ensures that Former Indian Residential School (IRS) Students can readily gain access to emotional and crisis-counseling supports so that Former IRS Students can remain safe before, during and after their IAP claim is validated. The Resolution Health Support Worker (RHSW) service is set up to provide a variety of flexible “front-line” safety supports and to coordinate services directly to the IAP process.

The Government of Canada offers funding to communities via the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program. This program, that provides two funding streams, has two objectives: to strengthen Indigenous cultural identity and participation in Canadian society, and to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages and cultures.

3 year prevention program. Our unique program offers both contemporary and traditional approaches of support to Aboriginal women with alcohol/substance use during their pregnancy. The program also provides community outreach and promotes healthy life style choices by providing support and education on FASD, Addictions, Parenting, Traditional Teachings and Aboriginal Culture.

We are a culturally diverse region with our indigenous populations comprising of close to 30 percent of the region’s residents inclusive of 17 First Nation communities. We are committed to working with our indigenous populations to identify health care concerns and collectively implement effective and sustainable solutions. IERHA realizes the need to change the view of Indigenous health within the region and understand the resiliency of this population as a key foundation on which to improve Indigenous health outcomes. The purpose of the Indigenous Health Strategy is to guide the Interlake-Eastern Health Region and potential Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners in the region toward a shared understanding that addressing health inequities cannot occur in isolation, but rather through working together.” -Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority Regional Indigenous Health Strategy – A Beginning for Future Consultation and Collaboration, 2021 – 2026. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action contains a number of actions specific to health. We are committed to incorporating the spirit of these Calls to Action as they relate to the culture, programs and services provided in Interlake-Eastern RHA. To that end, they are foundational to the Indigenous Health Strategy and IERHA’s overarching strategic plan.

This program is part of the Residential Services. Many of the young people at Marymound are of First Nations or Métis descent. At Marymound we believe that cultural awareness and pride are key components to healing. A strong, positive cultural identity can instill feelings of pride; give a young person a sense of place in the world as well as a sense of community affiliation. It is crucial that youth be in touch with their spirit and self to reconnect with their roots. The Indigenous Cultural Program is delivered by the Indigenous Cultural Coordinator in conjunction with elders and traditional healers from the local First Nations and Métis community. Through sharing and talking circles, sweat lodges, teachings, ceremonies and other activities, youth will develop a sense of self-worth, self-understanding, patience and ways to respect and honour life.

This program is focused on providing services to Aboriginal men who are attempting to make positive lifestyle changes in their lives as role models within the family unit and as agents of change within the community. The program is responsive to individual crisis situations so participants are able to drop in when necessary.

Ni-Apin is a Cree word which means “ I’m sitting” with the intended meaning of “ I’m sitting at home”. The Ni-Apin Program will provide a range of program services for the homeless urban Aboriginal person who suffers from multiple barriers.

Indigenous Liaisons are available in Flin Flon, The Pas and Thompson hospitals to assist with addressing cultural and language barriers. They can also help deal with the impact of illness and hospitalization, provide cultural, spiritual and emotional support as well as help make connections with family members, elders and community organizations. The Northern Health Region also has Interpreter Services available to help patients and their families communicate with care providers when language barriers exist. This service is provided through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. This service also offers parenting resources. Parenting in the Present is a resource for First Nations, Inuit and Metis parents and caregivers of children aged 6-12 years in Manitoba and provides culturally appropriate, relevant, and useful information to support First Nations, Inuit and Metis parents and caregivers in ensuring the healthy growth and development of their children, throughout middle childhood, and beyond.

Prairie Mountain Health is committed to providing services that will contribute to improved health status of Indigenous people. Partnerships with the Indigenous communities are critical to ensure that services are culturally appropriate and needs driven. Services provided include: Indigenous Advisor, Indigenous Spiritual Care Worker, Indigenous Elder Visitations, Indigenous Language Interpreters, and Indigenous Ceremonies.(Not all services may be available in all areas) For more information regarding the services we provide please contact the Indigenous HR office nearest you.

In leading the way for a healthier tomorrow, Southern Health-Santé Sud believes in optimal wellness, balance and connectedness for all people, responding to the holistic needs of Indigenous peoples by building partnerships, trust and by applying an equity lens throughout all facets of our health care services. Embracing diversity and inclusion, we strive to build a cultural capacity which is integrated throughout our programs and services. Together with communities, we are committed to working together towards building a culturally-appropriate and safe health care system for all diverse peoples and Indigenous communities in Southern Health-Santé Sud.

Stepping Forwards’ program objectives are to create a sense of belonging in the Centre and within the community, to provide onsite resources that will bridge the gap to current services, to assist individuals to rediscover their strengths and develop healthier lifestyles, and to offer services that enhance community and social participation.

The Inuit Child First Initiative ensures Inuit children have access to the essential government funded health, social and educational products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Each child’s situation is unique. Please contact your regional focal point to discuss what coverage is available based on the child’s needs. Examples of what could be funded include: wheelchair ramps, addiction services, cultural services from Elders, mental health counseling, assessments and screenings, medical supplies and equipment, therapeutic services, land-based activities, specialized summer camps, respite care programs based on cultural beliefs and practices, tutoring services, transportation, and specialized school transportation.

Following the vision of the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, the clinic provides resources that enable individuals to attain or maintain the balance in their lifestyle that is necessary for health. The clinic is committed to offering traditional and/or contemporary healing practices to meet the needs of the urban Aboriginal community.

WRHA Indigenous Health works with Regional programs and facilities in helping identify, develop and implement culturally safe environments, practices and services. WRHA Indigenous Health also provides a range of services for staff, community members, patients and patients’ families through its Patient Services, Workforce Development and Cultural Initiatives programs.