Biindigen Well-Being Centre set to build in McQuesten Neighbourhood

July 5th, 2022

It is with great excitement we announce the launch of the Biindigen Well-Being Centre, which

will be home to De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre, Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg and Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services. In addition, McMaster University’s Department of Family

Medicine will be partnering with De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre to provide additional Primary Care Services to the local community.

A new Indigenous health centre will be built in Hamilton, transforming Indigenous health care throughout the region. Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg’s development will provide increased opportunities to offer supports and services across the lifecycle that are based in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. The Biindigen Well-Being Centre is possible by financial support from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

The Biindigen Well-Being Centre will be in the McQuesten Neighbourhood. This new centre will be located at 785 Britannia Avenue. The Indigenous population in the City of Hamilton is 3.3%; however, in the McQuesten Neighbourhood the Indigenous Population is 6%.

A celebration of the new Biindigen Well-Being Centre will take place on July 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the site of the new centre. Representatives from the De dwa da dehs nye>s, Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, the City of Hamilton and McMaster will participate in the event.

Quote 1: “The City of Hamilton is very pleased to help bring this innovative Indigenous-led primary healthcare facility to the Indigenous community to support their well-being from infancy

to senior years. This opportunity for community harmonization supports our aim to foster reconciliation.” – Mayor Fred Eisenberger

Quote 2: “Services geared toward the urban Indigenous population by Indigenous healthcare providers is necessary for the community and for the City of Hamilton simultaneously.” – Counsellor Sam Merulla

Quote 3: “Many of the Indigenous population do not trust mainstream healthcare providers as they don’t feel safe or welcome… the centre will be a place that acknowledges Indigenous
culture and is welcoming to all.” – Pat Mandy, Chair of the Biindigen Steering Committee

For more information, please contact:
Naomi Samuel, Communications Consultant
De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre
nsamuels@dahac.ca

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