Journey Towards Reconciliation - Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation

Acknowledging the Land and Our Commitment

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF) is dedicated to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action by promoting transparency, acknowledging historical injustices and actively promoting the healing and unity of Saskatchewan communities.

JPCHF respectfully acknowledges that we are located within Treaty 6 Territory and through our mission, serve those within all treaty lands across Saskatchewan and Homeland of the Métis. In gathering, we pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another.

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is committed to the principles of mutual respect, trust, and collaboration in the spirit and recognition of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report.

In alignment with TRC Calls to Action #3 and #19, JPCHF is committed to providing access to vital health services through culturally appropriate programming. The Indigenous Birth Support Worker Program addresses Call to Action #22, offering cultural support throughout the maternal journey.

Additionally, JPCHF is committed to MMIWG Calls for Justice #3.1 and #7.4, strengthening an environment that is inclusive and provides culturally sensitive programming and family-centred care.

Strengthening Health-Care Access Through Meaningful Partnerships

Building strong partnerships across Saskatchewan has been a priority for our Foundation as we strive to integrate traditional practices, improve health outcomes and empower Indigenous mothers, babies and children within the health-care system.

Through several partnerships with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Synergy 8 Community Builders, and valued provincial First Nations communities, JPCHF is humbled and proud to highlight:

• $1M raised for Saskatchewan’s first pediatric portable MRI.

• 100 bikes and helmets were provided to children and youth in First Nations communities across Saskatchewan.

• Support of the Indigenous Birth Support Worker Program which encourages a culturally sensitive approach allowing mothers to incorporate traditional birthing practices at JPCH.

• Proud partner of the mobile dental and mental health bus and fleet.

HONOURED WITH A GIFT
RECOGNIZING A LASTING PARTNERSHIP

HONOURED WITH A GIFT

In 2023, JPCHF was humbled to receive a star blanket from the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC), the first of its kind gifted to Saskatchewan’s dedicated maternal and children’s hospital.

The star blanket, intricately woven with meaningful symbolism, represents the interconnectedness of all living things and carries the prayers and well wishes of the First Nations communities it represents. The blanket is prominently 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 in JPCHF and STC’s partnership, underscoring our shared commitment to improving the health outcomes of all moms-to-be, children and families in Saskatchewan. This partnership will continue to prioritize the unique health-care challenges faced by First Nations 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.”

– Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand

RECOGNIZING A LASTING PARTNERSHIP

On National Day of Truth and Reconciliation 2024, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s President and CEO retiree, Brynn Boback-Lane, was honoured by the Saskatoon Tribal Council for her ongoing work in the spirit of reconciliation.

“Our partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council has taught me and continues to teach us what Truth and Reconciliation really means. This journey is just beginning for us, this is the start of something greater and bigger than myself, bigger than all of us together. It is about this nation recognizing and taking responsibility for what we have done in the past, so we can make the future brighter and better for our children and the next generations to follow. I am deeply honoured and grateful for this incredible recognition and I will treasure this moment in my heart forever,” Brynn shared upon receiving this honour.

The video below from the STC’s Every Child Matters Pow Wow captures the moment Brynn was unexpectedly called to join Tribal Chief Mark Arcand and JPCHF Ambassador Child, Bella, and receive this amazing honour. “This lady has fought for our kids. This lady, our partner, has changed the system. This is what real leadership is in Reconciliation,” said Chief Arcand.

Watch the full Every Child Matters Pow Wow.

Thank you, Saskatoon Tribal Council, for honouring Brynn, and for your trust and partnership in this journey.

Our Journey Will Continue

JPCHF remains steadfast in its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard and honoured within Saskatchewan’s pediatric and maternal health-care landscape.

We are humbled to continue this important work, creating a future where Indigenous children and families have access to state-of-the-art maternal and pediatric critical care equipment and culturally appropriate supplies that honour and respect patients.

Respecting Indigenous Traditions and Supporting All Spiritual Journeys

The Spiritual Reflection space located on the main floor of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital is a multi-faith space devoted to our diverse provincial community. It provides serenity and a place for reflection in times when compassion and spiritual connection is especially important.

With natural wood elements, cushions for kneeling and praying, and flexible seating, the space provides a sense of peacefulness and connection to nature. First Nations families are able to utilize this space to smudge.

“It’s a really nice facility here. I really like the fact that there is even a Smudge Room downstairs, it’s good for us and family to be able to do that kind of thing.”

– Gilbert, Father of Quadruplets

Providing Opportunities to Future Generations

For several years, The Mosaic Child Life Program has had the honour of hosting Plains Cree and Métis artist Jasmyn Albert’s Tipi Teaching on several programming occasions, to share teachings from her ancestor with kids in hospital.

The Mosaic Child Life Program celebrates various important dates and holidays with activities for the children in hospital. Having young patients participate in an Orange Shirt Day learning and crafts, as well as National Truth and Reconciliation Day and National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations are traditions we look forward to continuing at JPCH.