Champlain Regional Indigenous Cancer Program
On this page:
Overview
The Champlain Indigenous Cancer Program was created to help improve the cancer care experience of Indigenous people.
Our goals align with Cancer Care Ontario’s First Nations, Inuit Metis and Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategy which is to improve the performance of the cancer system in a way that honours the Indigenous path of well-being.
Team
Our team includes a regional Indigenous Clinical Lead, an Indigenous Nurse Navigator, and an Indigenous Program Coordinator. These dedicated people work closely with our First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients and family members in the Champlain region to improve access to cancer care services in a respectful, culturally appropriate way.
Services
We support our Indigenous patients and their families by:
- Helping them navigate the health-care system.
- Helping coordinate services.
- Liaising with members of the health-care team to ensure continuity of care.
- Providing support during clinic visits and other appointments.
- Sharing information or resources to access spiritual support.
- Preparing patients for their first appointment within the cancer program.
We work with our health-care team to provide support and education, making sure care is safe and respects Indigenous cultures. We also work with our regional partners to fix system problems, aiming to make the cancer care experience better and easier to access for patients.
Who we support
Our program provides support to all communities in the Champlain Region, the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut, and any First Nations, Inuit, or Metis patients who may coming to Ottawa for their cancer care.
What to expect
Here’s what to expect when traveling from Nunavut to Ottawa for cancer care.
The Windòcàge Community Room
Windòcàge is an Algonquin word, meaning “to lend a hand.” At the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, we believe that everyone could use a helping hand during their cancer care experience. We are proud to have the Windòcàge Community Room available to our Indigenous patients and family members.
This room is a place of comfort and calm, designed to serve our First Nations, Inuit, and Métis patients and families. The room’s neutral colours and natural-looking materials are meant to bring us back to nature and remind us of our home and community. The room looks out onto our fireplace lounge. There is also an outdoor meditation garden nearby where you can smudge.
We encourage you to make use of the Windòcàge room to relax, reflect and re-energize while you are here for your appointment.
Country Food Menu
The Ottawa Hospital is pleased to offer a Country Food Menu to Indigenous patients in the Cancer Program at the General Campus in the 5E/W and 6E/W inpatient units as part of our commitment to providing culturally safe care.
The Country Food Menu at The Ottawa Hospital includes offerings, such as:
- Arctic char
- Bannock
- Broth
- Caribou stew
- Raspberry jam
The menu is subject to change based on availability. The Ottawa Hospital is committed to sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients that are true to Country Food traditions.
How to request Country Food
To receive Country Food during your stay at the hospital, simply ask your care provider.
We want your input
To ensure the Country Food Menu meets the needs of patients, we invite anyone who has tried the foods to fill out a survey. You can also complete the survey with help from a member of your health-care team.
Contact us
Mackenzie Daybutch, Indigenous Program Coordinator
613-737-7700 ext. 73607
Michelle Day, Manager, Person Centered Care
613-798-5555 ext. 70141