HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
Healing our Roots
Indigenous ways of knowing are rooted in the land. Soil, plant life, and animals are all integral spiritual aspects of Indigenous worldviews and shape the foundation of how these cultures approach balance and health.
However, colonial systems have disrupted access to traditional medicines, teachings, and ceremonial spaces, and have left Indigenous Peoples feeling disconnected.
Most healthcare systems fail to provide environments for individuals to reconnect with their Indigeneity and to feel safe, welcomed and recognized.
Creating a place for Indigenous Peoples to retreat to in their moments of need, especially at hospitals, is a must. So, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) is creating Healing Roots, a land-based healing initiative to create an Indigenous Medicine Garden and Cultural Learning Space. Guided by community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, the Indigenous Community Advisory and Review Experts council, Healing Roots will provide traditional medicines and plants, include a ceremonial firepit, build an educational monument about water as life, and offer signage in both English and Onkwehon:we languages. This place of healing will demonstrate SJHH’s respect towards Indigenous Peoples and acknowledgement of traditional healing methods.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is providing funding to support the cultural planning and foundational development of the garden, as well as program expansions, digital resources, and a community-led curriculum rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. Healing Roots is another investment in the health of Indigenous Peoples and a step in their journey of rebuilding faith in healthcare institutions. The IRF is proud to be part of St. Joseph’s journey.
Diocese of Hamilton
