Sponsored Content Honouring Indigenous Children in Hospital

Winnipeg Free Press

20-06-2025

Every year 140,000 kids need care and treatment at HSC Children's Hospital. At any given time, 60 per cent of them are Indigenous. Many of them come from remote and northern communities, travelling hundreds of kilometres away from their homes, their families and their cultural supports. Some may stay in the hospital for weeks or even months.
That's why we're supporting the development of the Indigenous Community Healing Space. It is needed for young patients and their families, and is a priority of the HSC Children's reconciliation initiatives.
In Manitoba, Indigenous children are three to five times more likely to be affected by disease and health conditions when compared to non-Indigenous children. It's a grim statistic that points to systemic challenges Indigenous populations face. This is why everyone at the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, the health care heroes at HSC Children's Hospital and the researchers at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba are committed to ReconciliACTION, and improving health outcomes for all kids who need care at Manitoba's only children's hospital.
National Indigenous History month is a time to honour the unique experiences, cultures, achievements and stories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples – like Janessa.
In 2024, Children's Hospital Foundation announced Janessa as the first Champion Child from a Northern remote First Nations community. Janessa's home is in Pukatawagan and her healing journey highlights the challenges children in Manitoba's remote and isolated communities face to get specialized pediatric care.
For kids like Janessa, the 2,000-sq.- ft. Indigenous Community Healing Space will include an area for traditional ceremonies, a library with Indigenous children's books and a place for visiting Elders, healers and Knowledge Keepers to share stories and help comfort kids and their families.
Wednesdays
Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences.
The space is fully Indigenous, led by Dr. Melanie Morris along with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, other Indigenous community members as well as Indigenous leaders in our medical community. When complete, it will provide families with a culturally safe space for healing. Its design will offer a place where children and families can connect with each other and nurture their whole selves – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
In that same spirit, that's why we wanted Indigenous community members to truly see themselves at the Teddy Bears' Picnic.
Last year Picnic started with Indigenous drummers and special messages from Indigenous leaders. Throughout the day, First Nations dancers, Inuit throat singers and Métis fiddlers took centre stage to entertain and educate children and families. On top of this, Indigenous Elders offered teachings all day long inside a teepee, further bridging connections. We hope that the community joins us again for Picnic on September 7 at Assiniboine Park.
To help us continue supporting areas of need like the Indigenous Community Healing Space, please donate at goodbear.ca/indigenoushealth.
Learn more about our Reconciliation efforts at goodbear.ca.