Winnipeg, MB (April 29 – May 1, 2025) – Representatives from the Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) palliative care team recently attended the Canadian Public Health Association’s national conference in Winnipeg to present their groundbreaking project, Enhancing Palliative Care with First Nations Communities in Southern Health-Santé Sud. This innovative initiative, which is being carried out in partnership with Dakota Ojibway Health Services and five local First Nations, has been designed to bridge gaps in palliative care and ensure that culturally relevant services are accessible to Indigenous communities in the region.

Launched in 2023 with funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, the project will continue through to 2026. The goal is to provide more accessible, equitable, and culturally safe palliative care by addressing the unique needs of First Nations communities in the Southern Health-Santé Sud region.

The project began with a series of engagement sessions within each partnered First Nation community, offering a space for participants to share their experiences of caring for individuals with serious illnesses. The data collected at these engagement sessions informed the development of care models tailored to meet community needs.

One of the key guiding principles throughout the project has been the adherence to the First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP). This ensures that all information gathered during the engagement process is returned to the communities, honoring their sovereignty and involvement.

Future steps for the project include reciprocal learning and job shadow opportunities and the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the involved parties. These initiatives are designed to further integrate the knowledge and practices of both western and traditional care systems, ensuring a holistic and supportive approach for patients and families.

The project would not possible without the support and collaboration of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Health Canada, as well as the invaluable contributions from the communities of Dakota Tipi First Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, and Swan Lake First Nation. Their insight, participation, and leadership have been essential in shaping the success of this initiative.

As the project progresses, its leaders remain committed to making palliative care more accessible and culturally appropriate for First Nations communities, ensuring that every person receives the dignity, respect, and quality care they deserve as they near the end of life.