Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team and Indigenous partners announce $850,000 investment to improve local Indigenous healthcare

LAMBTON COUNTY – March 19, 2025 – The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team (SL-OHT) and partners are excited to announce an $850,000 investment from the Ministry of Health to enhance healthcare access and equity for Indigenous communities in the region.

Locally Driven Population Health Models funding will support innovative, locally-informed initiatives that address the unique needs of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, Walpole Island First Nation, and urban Indigenous populations through culturally responsive and equitable care models.

The project, a collaboration among SL-OHT and Indigenous partners, includes Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, Walpole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong Territory), the Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre, North Lambton Community Health Centre, Twin Bridges Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Lambton-Kent, as well as Bluewater Health, which has been selected to assist in moving the work forward.

“This initiative allows us to create a bridge between services in our communities and mainstream health care, giving our communities access to safe care that honours our cultural identity while meeting our health needs,” says Sara Plain, Manager of Health Services at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.

Key Components of the Initiative

The $850,000 investment will support:

• Indigenous Navigators: Two full-time Indigenous Navigators in Bluewater Health’s Emergency Department to provide advocacy and support for patients and families.
  • Maggie Lewis and Jane Nahdee, Indigenous Transition Navigators, will begin in their roles on April 1, 2025.
• Mobile Health Services: Increased access to primary care and mental health services through the MobileCare health bus, reaching isolated communities.
• Traditional Healing Access: Expanded access to traditional healing services for both on-reserve and urban Indigenous populations.
• Primary Care: Increased access and attachment to primary care, including support for those unattached, through Twin Bridges Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic.
• Preventative Care: Improved access to culturally responsive cancer and chronic disease prevention and management supports through cancer screening clinics, chronic disease screening, and access to a prevention specialist.
• Trauma-Informed Care Training: Delivered across SL-OHT partner organizations to improve provider awareness, care quality and patient experience.
• Community Symposium: A two-day educational event for enhanced understanding of traditional practices and Indigenous health among care providers.

“Having dedicated Indigenous Navigators and expanded access to services is transformative,” says Paige Boris, Health Director at Kettle & Stony Point First Nation. “It helps to address longstanding barriers and create a healthcare experience where our people feel seen and supported.”

Building Culturally Responsive Care

This project is a collaborative effort designed to address healthcare disparities and ensure that care is both accessible and culturally connected. By blending modern medical practices with traditional healing approaches, the SL-OHT is working to co-design solutions that reflect the priorities and values of Indigenous communities.

“This project is a testament to the power of collaboration,” says Michaella Sarazin, Community Health Supervisor at Walpole Island First Nation. “By working together, we’re addressing root causes of health inequities and empowering our communities to thrive.”

A Unified Vision

Bluewater Health was selected to help move this work forward by the Sarnia-Lambton OHT’s Indigenous Communities Advisory Council (ICAC). ICAC, which is made up of Indigenous Community partners in Sarnia-Lambton, helps to oversee planning, providing feedback for ongoing work and ensuring Indigenous voices are at the forefront in decision making.

“This funding is a meaningful step in advancing equitable access to healthcare that is culturally safe for Indigenous People,” says Nadine Neve, Executive Lead for the Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team. “It’s about listening to Indigenous voices and co-creating solutions that respect their traditions and values.”

Paula Reaume-Zimmer, President & CEO of Bluewater Health, and Vice-Chair of the Sarnia-Lambton OHT’s Collaboration Council, emphasizes the importance of this work, “We are honoured to be the supporting agency for this initiative, working alongside Indigenous partners to co-create a model of care that respects tradition and addresses real needs. This is about building a healthier, more inclusive future for everyone.”

Kathy Bresett, Executive Director of North Lambton Community Health Centre and Chair of the Sarnia-Lambton OHT, highlights the commitment of the Sarnia-Lambton OHT and its partners to fostering culturally responsive engagement and care, “We are working towards better providing barrier-free access to health services, and addressing the determinants of health through wraparound supports.”