OHSWEKEN — The Ontario government is investing up to $1.25 million to support the construction of Six Nations of the Grand River’s new five-bed hospice which will help Indigenous people and their loved ones connect to comfortable, culturally appropriate and dignified end-of-life care, close to home.
“Our government is ensuring people and their families have access to the care they need in their community, close to their loved ones,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Our investment to expand access to end-of-life care that recognizes the importance of Indigenous-led traditional healing on Six Nations of the Grand River is another step our government is taking to deliver compassionate and specialized care for patients and their loved ones.”
The new hospice – currently named Six Nations of the Grand River Community Hospice – will be constructed on Six Nations of the Grand River and will be the first Indigenous-led, operated and on-territory hospice in Canada. Its community-led services will incorporate traditional Haudenosaunee teachings to provide physical, emotional and spiritual support that will help Indigenous community members connect to equitable quality care that recognizes and respects their cultural identity, values and beliefs as they make their journey into the spirit world.
“Having our own hospice will be amazing for our members to be taken care of our way,” said Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill of Six Nations of the Grand River. “Our members will be able to live out their lives with loved ones and family surrounding them.”
The hospice will provide families the ability to gather with generations of loved ones and bond over food to process grief, loss, and transition. It will also connect people to traditional medicines and practices, specific to each individual’s end-of-life journey. This can include supports to help with nausea, pain, discomfort, and support relaxation. The hospice staff will all be from First Nations communities – where this is not possible, the hospice will ensure non-First Nations staff receive cultural sensitivity training on end-of-life traditions and care for Indigenous clients and families.
The hospice will include:
- Decor that is reflective of cultural traditions, including colours and artwork
- Sacred spaces for ceremonies
- A garden space reflective of traditional medicines and the offerings of nature, providing opportunities to watch the stars, moon, and sun
- Large spaces to support multiple families to be together during end of life, share meals and comfort one another
- Culturally-relevant services such as traditional healers, elders and knowledge keepers
- Hospice care including end-of-life nursing and personal support
- Respite and symptom management
- Bereavement workshops and counselling tailored to meet the specific requirements of the community.
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is expanding access to key services to provide people of all ages with the right care, in the right place. As part of the 2024 Budget, Building a Better Ontario, the government continues to expand access to palliative care services, adding up to 84 new adult beds and 12 pediatric beds, bringing the total to over 750 planned beds.