News

St. Joseph's Care Group Continues Its Journey of Reconciliation By Walking With Humility

Date: 2024-09-27

St. Joseph's Care Group's journey of reconciliation continues with the launch of Embracing the Teachings of the West, the third of our Wiidosem Dabasendizowin | Walking With Humility plans to develop relationships and practices together with Indigenous Peoples.

"In Anishinaabemowin, the West direction is known as 'Ningaabii'anan,'' signifying adulthood and the season of fall," explains Paul Francis Jr., Vice President, N'doo'owe Binesi at St. Joseph's Care Group. "The N'doo'owe Binesi division at St. Joseph's Care Group has experienced considerable growth over the last 6 years. By Embracing the Teachings of the West, and looking to Makwa, the Bear, for strength, introspection, and protection as we continue this work, we honour our journey of growth and transformation." St. Joseph's Care Group is grateful to be entrusted with the opportunity to make safe sobering a reality in Thunder Bay. We are looking forward to adding safe sobering to our continuum of care.

Embracing the Teachings of the West will prioritize four key areas:

• Advancing Our Journey to Provide Culturally Safe Care for Indigenous Peoples
• Advancing Truth and Reconciliation
• Amplifying Indigenous Cultural Safety in the Region
• Nurturing N'doo'owe Binesi - St. Joseph's Care Group's Indigenous Health division

"Our third Walking With Humility reflects on our progress, and I am moved to see how far we have come, the relationships that have been built, and the dedication of staff to continuing our journey," says Janine Black, President & CEO of St. Joseph's Care Group. "This plan guides our next steps as we support Truth and Reconciliation, amplify teachings, and foster enduring partnerships to advance healthcare in a way that is respectful, equitable, culturally-safe and inclusive of Indigenous Peoples."

Click here to read Wiidosem Dabasendizowin | Walking With Humility: Embracing the Teachings of the West

Quick Facts

• St. Joseph's Care Group's journey of Walking With Humility was formalized in 2018 with the launch of our first plan, representing the Eastern direction of the Medicine Wheel
• We reiterated our commitment in 2022 with the release of Walking With Humility: Looking to the Southern Direction, focusing on the expansion of the N'doo'owe Binesi division
• Our Looking to the Southern Direction Report, released on August 11, 2023, shared tangible outcomes with the community to demonstrate our progress
• The cover of Embracing the Teachings of the West depicts Makwa, the Bear, journeying across Turtle Island (North America), interweaving elements of nature and Anishiaabe spiritual teachings.
• Integral to our work is St. Joseph's Care Group's Board of Director's Commitment Statement to the Anishinaabek.
• Walking With Humility is a core commitment in St. Joseph's Care Group's Strategic Plan 2024-2028

For more information, please contact:

St. Joseph's Care Group
Communications & Government Relations
Media Line: 807-768-4455
Email: sjcg@tbh.net