Manitoba Government Expands Care for Dialysis Patients and Mothers in Norway House Cree Nation

October 28, 2025

The Manitoba government is partnering with Norway House Cree Nation to invest in dialysis treatment and birthing services, reducing the need for residents to travel outside the community for care, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.

“For too long, families have had to travel hours away for dialysis or maternity care,” said Asagwara. “Bringing these services home means parents can welcome their babies surrounded by loved ones and people managing chronic conditions can get the care they need without leaving their community. We’re committed to funding these services so every Manitoban can access care that is close to home and grounded in their community.”

The Manitoba government will increase funding for dialysis services in Norway House Cree Nation, providing $797,000 in the 2025-26 fiscal year to expand in-centre dialysis to 12 patients from eight. The funding will allow more community members to receive dialysis in their home community, reducing travel and keeping families closer together, the minister noted.

“After a long journey marked by perseverance and collaboration, the council and I are proud to see birthing services return to our community and dialysis care expand within our Nation,” said Chief Larson Anderson, Norway House Cree Nation. “This will allow our people to remain close to their loved ones and support systems. This is a real, First Nation-led transformative progress driven by self-determination. These milestones show what’s possible when a First Nation government and a provincial government work together in mutual respect, and we’re grateful for Manitoba government’s partnership in making this vision a reality.”

The Manitoba government will fund two full-time midwives and administrative support staff to help develop a birthing model in Norway House. Recruitment for these positions is underway, the minister added. The new program will be guided by community leadership and health-system partners including Manitoba Health, Shared Health and the University of Manitoba, and will support the return of traditional midwifery practices to the north.

“The Midwives Association of Manitoba wholeheartedly supports the return of birth to communities across the province,” said Tracy Mullet, president of the Midwives Association of Manitoba. “As a northern midwife, I am especially encouraged by the announcement of funded midwifery positions in Norway House, which will expand access to skilled care in the north. Returning birth to communities is vital for health, growth and healing from the harms caused by forced evacuations for birth.”

In the coming weeks, the Manitoba government and Norway House Cree Nation will sign memorandums of understanding supporting the development of midwifery and dialysis services in the community.

“The upcoming signing at our new state-of-the-art facility, the Nanatawiwekamik Health Centre of Excellence, marks a powerful step forward in improving access to care for Norway House Cree Nation and First Nations across northern Manitoba,” added Chief Anderson.

These investments build on the Manitoba government’s broader commitment to improving access to care in northern and Indigenous communities, ensuring all Manitobans can receive high-quality health care close to home and can access the supports they rely on.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

NT5