At the Pembroke Regional Hospital, we want to create culturally safe and respectful spaces for our patients and families who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous. A number of resources are available to support you.
Land Acknowledgement
The Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) acknowledges it is located upon the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. We have the privilege and responsibility to serve First Nations, Métis and Inuit of many backgrounds and from many treaty lands to demonstrate respect for Indigenous people's contributions and culture. We also acknowledge the traditional knowledge and healing that has been developed over countless generations.
We are privileged to provide care on lands that Indigenous peoples have called home for thousands of years and we recognize their contributions both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and our province and country as a whole.
We commit to supporting the improved access by First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals to Indigenous healing practices and to treatments that are provided in collaboration with Indigenous healers and elders whenever possible and when this is requested.
At Pembroke Regional Hospital, the Land Acknowledgement is to be used before Board meetings (Board of Directors, Board Ethics Committee), public events, conferences and retreats.
Home and Community Care and Home Care Services are available to assist Indigenous community members to ensure the best health care for clients.
For more information, please call:
Marlene Sackaney Keely (613) 625-2259 or for Home Care call Peggy Dick (613) 625-1230
Indigenous patients and families are welcome to hold smudging ceremonies at the Pembroke Regional Hospital for spiritual and ceremonial purposes. With the input and guidance of stakeholders from Aboriginal communities, we have developed a Smudging Ceremonies policy to guide this practice within the hospital.
If you or a loved one wishes to hold a smudging ceremony during your stay, please speak with a member of your health care team who will connect you with our Spiritual Care Coordinator for support.
Smudging Ceremonies Policy
Hope for Wellness - The Hope for Wellness helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer counselling and crisis intervention.
Call the toll-free helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or utlize the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
Experienced and culturally competent helpline counsellors can help if you wish to talk, are distressed, have strong emotional reactions, or may be triggered by painful memories. If asked, counsellors can work with you to find other wellness supports that are available nearby.
Telephone and online counselling is available in English or French. On request, telephone counselling is also available in Ojibway, Cree and Inuktitut.
A national Indian Residential School Crisis line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line at 1-866-925-4419.