June 29, 2023

Honouring Partnership: Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation and Saskatoon Tribal Council Unveil Meaningful Star Blanket at JPCH

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF) and Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) are delighted to announce a significant milestone in our partnership that further strengthens the bond between Indigenous communities and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

During a special ceremony held at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, leaders from the Saskatoon Tribal Council officially presented and displayed a handcrafted star blanket to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. The star blanket, intricately woven with meaningful symbolism, represents the interconnectedness of all living things and carries the prayers and well wishes of the Indigenous communities it represents. The blanket is carefully displayed in the main corridor within the hospital, serving as a tangible embodiment of the partnerships’ shared values and aspirations.

The unveiling of the star blanket serves as a powerful testament to the collaborative efforts between JPCHF and STC, underscoring our shared commitment to improving the health outcomes of all children and their families in Saskatchewan. This partnership will continue to prioritize the unique health care challenges faced by Indigenous communities, working towards innovative solutions to provide access to care at the community level.

“The star blanket symbolizes community connection and marks bonds of honour in First Nation communities. When one is gifted a blanket, it shows respect and honour,” said Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand.

“The inclusion of the star blanket in Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital is an acknowledgement of the vital role that Indigenous culture plays at Saskatchewan’s dedicated children and maternal hospital,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President & CEO of Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Its presence will help foster an atmosphere of cultural safety, sensitivity, and respect within the hospital, ensuring that children and their families from all cultures feel seen, valued, and understood. We are deeply honoured to display the star blanket in Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, showcasing our proud partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and serving as a reminder of our Foundation’s commitment to culturally sensitive care for children and families in our province.”