Programs

In partnership with Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions Virtual Care (WIHV), GCWP-IH team members hosted an afternoon, June 15, 2023, workshop designed to explore what allied health research and working with First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities in a “good way” entails across all phases of the research cycle. The goal of this workshop was for allied non-Indigenous researchers to better understand their roles and responsibilities when engaging in community-partnered research initiatives.

In partnership with the Office of Research at WCH, GCWP-IH organized a full-day workshop for relevant WCH staff that focused on community-driven health research. The workshop featured leaders in community-partnered Indigenous and Black Health research programs and initiatives in urban contexts. GCWP-IH team members continue to work closely with the Office of Research to help drive innovation and promote a right-based approach to Indigenousness Health Research.

Niigaan ezhi-wiidsendiying (how we walk into the future together) is a program in partnership with the Centre for Community Partnerships at the University of Toronto. The program matches paid placements for First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis students with Indigenous community organizations for up to 100 hours of work from October April. Students also take part in reflection sessions, including fireside gatherings and virtual sharing circle check ins, all bundled with traditional activities or teachings.

Wise practices for collecting socio-demographic data at the point of care - The Ontario Health Team is currently drafting a Call For Proposals to pilot site-specific case studies to identify best practices. Future work may include applying for OHT funding to pilot a project at WCH. Emily Simmonds and Lisa Richardson continue to meet with leaders across Canada to learn more about key considerations for the implementation of data collection tools at the point of care concerning First Nation, Inuit and Metis peoples.

This project takes a strength-based approach that prioritizes community protocols, needs, and experiences. Specifically, we examine cultural understandings of wellness, strategies used to manage chronic pain including challenges with opioid substance use disorder and barriers and challenges to accessing care. It will produce two sets of educational resources to support both healthcare practitioners as they support First Nations patients and community members as they navigate their pain experience.

This research aims to establish a health systems policy framework to

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This rooftop garden was created to provide WCH and GCWP-IH staff, patients/clients, and learners access to traditional medicine.

Launched in May 2023, this program consists of a series of workshops or creative circles designed to provide employees with the opportunity to connect and socialize in a non-professional environment. Providing staff with the opportunity to foster their creative capacities and connect in this setting can promote personal wellbeing and community. GCWP-IH art circles are designed to enrich the workplace environment of all WCH staff and are intended to have both individual as well as organizational benefits.

This project involved creation of sacred medicine bundles which served to provide access to traditional medicine to Indigenous patients and community members when they attend WCH clinics other than GCWP-IH. Six clinics were invited to accept these bundles; SA/DVCC, Mental Health, RAAM, Family Practice Health Centre, Bay Centre, and Covid Centre.