LAMBTON COUNTY – August 13, 2025 Partners in the Locally Driven Health Population Models initiative, funded through Ontario Health, gathered last week at Aamjiwnaang First Nation Community Centre for a naming ceremony. A celebration and feast was held to unveil the new name and logo for the ongoing Indigenous health work: E-nangaabe-jig Health Services.
E-nangaabe-jig (pronounced ay-nung-ah-bay-jig) is an Anishinaabemowin name gifted to the project through ceremony by Elder Richard Assinewai, who also led the feast and celebration. The name, which translates to “those who are star beings,” reflects the initiative’s vision of uplifting Indigenous health through community connection, traditional knowledge, and barrier-free access to culturally responsive care.
The ceremony marked the debut of a newly designed logo by Indigenous artist and illustrator, Bridget George, from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation.
“This logo tells the story of connection, protection, and balance,” says Bridget George, illustrator and visual artist. “The two helping hands represent both helpers and community, and the way we remain connected to our ancestors. Within the hands are depictions of the land, water, and sky, along with cedar branches for protection and healing. The sun is divided to show the importance of balance in a good mind, and the seven stars honour the principle of seven generations and mino bimaadiziwin – the good life. At the centre, the negative space reveals the shape of a person, paying tribute to the Star People and connecting to the spirit of the name E-nangaabe-jig.”
“This project is rooted in meaningful partnerships and guided by community voices,” says Nadine Neve, Executive Lead of the Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team (OHT). “We’re grateful to Elder Assinewai for the spirit name, and to Bridget George for the impactful design that now symbolizes this important work. Both are powerful reflections of the values, strengths, and traditions that shape this initiative.”
Since the public launch of Locally Driven Health Population Models funding in March, now known as E-nangaabe-jig Health Services, significant progress has been made in improving Indigenous health access and equity across Sarnia-Lambton, including:
- Hiring and onboarding two full-time Indigenous Navigators in Bluewater Health’s Emergency Department to provide advocacy, support, and culturally safe care planning
- Expanding traditional healing services in Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, Walpole Island First Nation, and through the Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre
- Delivering trauma-informed training for healthcare providers across community organizations
- Increasing access to primary care and mental health services
The Sarnia-Lambton OHT’s Indigenous Communities Advisory Council (ICAC), made up of Indigenous community partners in Sarnia-Lambton, plays a vital role in guiding E-nangaabe-jig Health Services. The advisory council helps to oversee planning, provide feedback on ongoing work, and keep Indigenous voices at the forefront in decision-making. This collaboration helps ensure programs are culturally connected, responsive, and grounded in the priorities of the communities they serve.
“As a member of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation and Chair of the Sarnia-Lambton OHT Collaboration Council, I’m proud to see this work advancing in such a meaningful way,” says Paige Boris. “E-nangaabe-jig Health Services represents more than a program – it’s a commitment to walk together, learn from one another, and build a more inclusive and connected system of care for Indigenous communities.”
In March, the Sarnia-Lambton OHT and project partners announced an investment from the Ministry of Health to enhance healthcare access and equity for Indigenous communities in the region.