Strengthening Indigenous connections at Welcoming Springtime Social – Biindigin Ziigwan

Mar 25, 2025

As spring ushers in a season of renewal, the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team at Niagara Health opened its doors to the community for Biindigin Ziigwan, a gathering dedicated to connection, reflection and Reconciliation.

Held last week at the Exchange Cultural Hub in Niagara Falls, the event brought together community members, healthcare professionals and Indigenous community partners to honour the progress, share knowledge and strengthen relationships among the Indigenous community.

Shyann Jenkins, Indigenous Relations Specialist, Community Outreach and Engagement, emphasizes the importance of events like this in nurturing relationships between the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team at the hospital and the Indigenous community.

“Our goal is to create a space where Indigenous patients and families feel safe, supported and heard,” she says. “Reconciliation is an ongoing journey and gatherings like Biindigin Ziigwan allow us to connect, reflect and ensure that we are moving forward in a good way.”

Attendees had the chance to engage with several members of the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team to hear more about Niagara Health’s progress made towards Indigenous education, patient advocacy and community outreach. Highlights include a new partnership with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council focused on developing joint initiatives to improve Indigenous health outcomes and address healthcare inequities, the recent addition of artwork pieces, created by local Indigenous artists, to our three Outpatient Mental Health waiting rooms and the upcoming opening of a new Indigenous community room at the Marotta Family Hospital, with programming set to begin in April.

The South Niagara Hospital team also shared details on the meaningful design additions to the new hospital build, specifically the inclusion of an Indigenous healing space and garden. Co-designed with Indigenous partners, these spaces will provide a welcoming environment for Indigenous patients and visitors seeking culturally appropriate care.

“It’s remarkable the amount of work the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team has accomplished in such a short amount of time,” notes Rhonda Thompson, Harm Reduction Lead at the Niagara Region. “As healthcare professionals, these opportunities to learn about the different resources in the hospital and community are crucial.”

Alongside Niagara Health, the event featured community organizations, including Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle, Niagara Chapter for Native Women, De dwa da dehs nye – Aboriginal Health Centre, Niagara Region and Indigenous Midwifery. Each group provided insights into the programs and services available to support Indigenous health and wellness.

Irene Samuel, Client Services Project Navigator at Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle, highlighted the importance of collaboration between hospitals and Indigenous health organizations in achieving best health outcomes.

“We work with Niagara Health to provide a warm handover for patients. Patients who are discharged from the hospital and require support for diabetes – we are there for them,” says Samuel. “In the same sense, our patients who require hospital care, we know we can provide them with a warm handover, and the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team will be there to support them.”

The evening reinforced Niagara Health’s commitment to Reconciliation and meaningful engagement with Indigenous partners. Through continued collaboration, education and culturally responsive care, Niagara Health aims to ensure that Indigenous patients feel welcome and supported in their healthcare journey.

“This is just one step in a long journey,” says Jenkins. “We’re committed to building relationships and taking action that will create lasting change.”

NT5