Resources for Indigenous Patients and Families
The Ottawa Hospital is committed to creating culturally safe and respectful spaces for patients and families who identify as First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Smudging
Indigenous patients and families are welcome to hold smudging ceremonies at The Ottawa Hospital. Please talk to your care team if you would like to smudge during your time here.
The Ottawa Hospital has smudge kits available for patients and families, or you may use your own traditional medicines. You are also welcome to bring in a member of your community to perform a smudging ceremony.
Whenever possible, please give 24 hours' notice if you would like to smudge inside the building so that required precautions can be taken.
Please note that currently smudging requests can only be facilitated during the Spiritual Care team’s business hours, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Windòcàge Community Room
Located near the Cancer Centre at The Ottawa Hospital’s General Campus, the Windòcàge Community Room is available to all First Nation, Inuit and Métis patients and family members as a quiet space for relaxation, reflection or ceremony. Windòcàge is an Algonquin word meaning “to lend a hand.”
Speak to your care team to use Windòcàge for smudging.
The Indigenous Cancer Program
The Ottawa Hospital established the Champlain Indigenous Cancer Program in 2015 to help improve the cancer care experience of Indigenous Peoples.