Artist Luke Swinson’s celebration of the histories, cultures and traditions of local Indigenous populations, creating safer, more welcoming hospital spaces for all
Kitchener, ON – October 30, 2024 – In living their ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation work, Grand River Hospital, St. Mary’s General Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital are collaborating with local Indigenous communities on a plan to improve hospital healthcare experiences. Through this work, the Hospitals have identified incorporating Indigenous art and sacred elements into patient spaces, supporting a more welcoming and inclusive experience.
On October 29, Grand River Hospital unveiled artwork by local Indigenous artist Luke Swinson. Championed by the Indigenous Employee Circle, the artwork features local birds found along the Grand River, reflecting the “ways in which the Grand River is life-giving and connected to Creation.”
Located in patient registration, the artwork is accessible to anyone who passes through the K-W campus of the Hospital. It is also the first of what the IEC hopes is many Indigenous art installations across the Region’s Hospitals. The goal is for Welcoming Spaces to celebrate the histories, cultures, and traditions of the Region’s Indigenous communities – past, present, and future.
“We’re grateful to the Indigenous Employee Circle for driving this work, to the Grand River Hospital Foundation for funding it, and of course, to artist Luke Swinson for creating it,” says Ron Gagnon, President and CEO, Grand River Hospital. “One of our values is Welcome one, to welcome all, and this artwork is one step towards fostering safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces of healing in the Hospital.”
The Indigenous Employee Circle (IEC) is comprised of both Grand River Indigenous team members and allies committed to expanding understanding, reestablishing trust, and strengthening community with Indigenous community members. Among other initiatives, the IEC supported the development of a Land Acknowledgement shared by Grand River and St. Mary’s, and hosts both drumming circles and sacred fires – open to patients, caregivers, team members and the community – at all local hospital campuses.
The celebration opened with Elder Myeengun Henry providing a ceremonial welcome, a song by Ivy-Lynn Saile, the Indigenous Patient Navigator at Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC), and remarks from IEC members as well as the artists.
The artwork was made possible through funding from the Grand River Hospital Foundation and exemplifies the Hospitals’ shared partnership and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation work.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Victoria Ott, Integrated Director, Strategic Engagement
Grand River Hospital Foundation
victoria.ott@grhosp.on.ca
519-588-4687
ABOUT GRAND RIVER HOSPITAL
Grand River Hospital is building a world-class health system for all in the communities we serve. One of Ontario’s largest community teaching hospitals, we’re delivering exceptional, patient-focused quality care by a team of dedicated healthcare workers and volunteers. Located in one of the province’s most diverse and rapidly growing regions, we provide services and support to more than 840,000 residents of Waterloo Region and Guelph Wellington at our two campuses (KW and Freeport) and satellite locations. Driven by innovation, we’re proud of our partnerships and collaborations with health system partners, our region’s academic and innovation communities, and diverse community partners. grandriverhospital.ca | Twitter and Instagram @grhospitalkw | YouTube: griverhosp | Facebook and Linkedin: Grand River Hospital
