Patient and Peer Support

Indigenous Peer Support, Patient Relations and Elder-in-Residence

The Indigenous Peer Support and Relations Advocate and our Elder-in-Residence provide culturally-relevant support and advocacy for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) patients and their families through the Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health (GCWP-IH) at Women’s College Hospital (WCH).

The Indigenous Peer Support and Relations Advocate can provide, but are not limited to, the following services:

  • One on one peer support  

  • Coordinating access to Indigenous community partners and organizations 

  • Facilitating supports including cultural and spiritual needs with Elders-In-Residence for patients and their families

  • Accessing traditional medicines 

  • Collaborating with Community Elders

The Indigenous Peer Support and Relations Advocate nurtures a collective sense of community for Indigenous patients and their families, collaborating alongside the GCWP-IH, Elder in Residence. Our services are open to Indigenous patients at WCH and Indigenous community members who reside within the Greater Toronto Area who are accessing health services.

The Elder-in-Residence at the Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health (GCWP-IH) offers wisdom, support, guidance, and ceremony rooted in spiritual truths of the Indigenous people, nations, and communities we serve. They also contribute to the wellbeing of the GCWP-IH and its staff by offering ceremonies of healing. The Elder-in-Residence works alongside the Indigenous Peer Support and Relations Advocate to improve healthcare providers’ understanding of Indigenous peoples’ needs and health systems.

PROJECTS & PROGRAMS

  • The Rooftop Medicine Wheel Garden

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

  • Community Art Circles

    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.

  • Sacred Medicine Bundles

    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.

  • Indigenous Peer Support and Relations

    Led by Christine Monague and Elder-In-Residence Kawennanoron Cindy White The Indigenous

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  • Indigenous Health Clinic

    First Nations, Inuit and Metis patients and community members will be

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