Indigenous Language Resources
Photo by Ogimaawabiitong Kenora Chiefs Advisory. Used with permission.
Hospital-based resources
Lake of the Woods District Hospital and Ogimaawabiitong Kenora Chiefs Advisory have been working in partnership to foster relationships and to improve patient experiences. The result of this work is a blossoming Indigenous Patient Relations Department at the hospital.
Client Navigation
Client Navigators support patients during their hospital stay with:
- Accessing Traditional healing
- Translation
- Transportation
- Referral to in-community programs (Ex: Mental Health, Palliative Care)
- Navigating the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) system
- General navigation through the healthcare system
- Post-discharge follow up
Mental Health Therapist in the Emergency Department
The Emergency Mental Health Therapist/Social Worker provides wholistic, culturally safe and trauma-informed therapeutic intervention and care coordination to First Nation patients who visit the ER. Patients and their families are connected with community services to ensure continuity of care following admission or discharge.
Cultural Services
A Cultural Services Manager is in place at LWDH to embed Anishinaabe culture and practices in the hospital. This involves:
- Ensuring cultural protocols are met
- Supporting cultural awareness, cultural safety and regional orientation and education to all staff
- Coordinating cultural events
- Promoting both traditional and mainstream approaches to healing and helping clients
- Smudging is available in the hospital for anyone wishing, the Ojibwe Healing Room is located on the 3rd floor
Indigenous Advisory Council
The Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) was formed in 2022 and membership is made up of LWDH, KCA, and Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig (WNHAC), community representatives and an LWDH staff rep. Participants discuss hospital program and service enhancements considering with a wholistic, culturally safe lens.
The Council meets consistently and at each meeting, there are two standing agenda items – a traditional teaching and a presentation from the hospital (another important purpose of the Council is for participants to become hospital knowledge keepers).
To reach the Cultural Navigator Team at LWDH, please contact:
Donna Namaypoke
KCA Cultural Services Manager
807-468-9861, ext. 2544
Donna.namaypoke@kenorachiefs.org
Client Navigators
807-468-9861, ext. 2544 or ext. 2250
Emergency Department Social Worker
807-468-9861, ext. 251
ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES
Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig (WNHAC) offers primary health care and preventative services, combining traditional and contemporary approaches to health and healing. Complementary programs include a residential healing program and hostel accommodation for people accessing hospital services in Kenora.
WNHAC offers a number of resources available to support Indigenous patients, including language assistance or services:
Shaawanobinesiik Gibichii’igamig Outpatient/Self-Care Hostel
Affordable accommodation and support for individuals and families requiring access to Lake of the Woods District Hospital or other Kenora medical services for medical reasons are provided as needed.
Waashkootsi Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Healing Lodge
The Waashkootsi Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Healing Lodge offers land-based, culturally focused programming designed to support traditional Anishinaabe healing practices. Our mission is to provide knowledge, skills, and guidance that nurture healthy lifestyles rooted in Anishinaabe traditions.
AGICHI’GIIZHIGOONSAG Youth Program
The Agichi’giizhigoonsag Program is a land-based program designed for youth aged 12-18 who are interested in learning about and participating in Anishinaabe cultural practices and teachings.
