Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services (Nogdawindamin) and Sault Area Hospital (SAH) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking an important step in the advancement of collaborative and culturally appropriate services for Indigenous families.

This agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to the safety, well-being and cultural identity of Indigenous children, youth and families.

The agreement highlights several key objectives, including:

• Ensuring culturally safe and consistent care for Indigenous service users.
• Strengthen access to child protection, mental health support and prevention programs while honoring family and community ties.
• Promote mutual trust and understanding through open communication and education.

For more information, see the press release below.

Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services (Nogdawindamin) and Sault Area Hospital (SAH) are proud to announce the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, marking an important milestone in the advancement of culturally appropriate collaborative services for indigenous families.

This agreement consolidates a shared commitment to the safety, well-being and cultural identity of Indigenous children, youth and families. Rooted in Anishnawbek teachings and traditions, the protocol establishes a clear framework for cooperation and communication between the two organizations.

By combining their expertise in family and community support with health services, Nogdawindamin and SAH aim to holistically meet the needs of Indigenous families, promoting healing, resilience and thriving communities.

The agreement highlights several key objectives, including:

• Ensuring culturally safe and consistent care for Indigenous service users.
• Strengthen access to child protection, mental health support and prevention programs while honoring family and community ties.
• Promote mutual trust and understanding through open communication and education.

During the signing ceremony, Karen Kennedy, Acting CEO of Nogdawindamin, highlighted the importance of this partnership. “This protocol is more than an agreement: it is a commitment to a common journey where Indigenous teachings guide our work. By honoring these traditions, we ensure that families are supported in a way that reflects their values ​​and identity. Together, we help families heal, children thrive, and communities thrive.

The partnership is inspired by the Anishnawbek teaching of woven sweetgrass, symbolizing the past, present and future. This collective commitment reflects the concepts of friendship, partnership and mutual trust. Like sacred medicines, the relationship will be nourished over time, demanding respect, reciprocity and attention from both organizations.

“At Sault Area Hospital, we are taking small steps on an important journey that, if history had been better, might not be as necessary, and that we are striving to make progress more and more quickly. Our partnership with Nogdawindamin reflects a deep commitment to supporting families, fostering brighter futures, and creating compassionate, culturally centered care that strengthens our community. » says Ila Watson, President and CEO of the Sault Region Hospital.

Together, Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services and Sault Area Hospital reaffirm their commitment to empowering Indigenous families through collaboration and culturally competent care. This agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations are united in purpose and vision.