Inauguration of a smudge room at the Restigouche Hospital Centre

Campbellton, Wednesday, June 26, 2024 – Vitalité Health Network inaugurates a smudge room at the Restigouche Hospital Centre in Campbellton.

Listuguj First Nation Elder Chris Wysote performed the smudging ceremony.

The event took place on the morning of National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, 2024, in the presence of Glenda Wysote, Elder of Eel River Bar First Nation, James Robinson, of Metepenagiag First Nation, Chris Wysote, Elder of Listuguj First Nation, and Joanna Martin, First Nations Regional Health Manager at Vitalité Health Network.

By combining Indigenous knowledge with best medical practices, the Network is committed to respecting and holistically valuing indigenous traditions in its care environments.

Joanna Martin, Regional Health Manager for First Nations at Vitalité Health Network.

“This is yet another step in our commitment to cultural safety and the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in health care in New Brunswick,” explains Joanna Martin.

“This inauguration reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting a care environment that respects cultural diversity and the specific needs of Indigenous communities. It is part of the Two-Eyed Seeing approach that encourages us to see the world through multiple perspectives and to recognize the value and wisdom of Indigenous approaches to health and well-being.”

On the left: Glenda Wysote, Elder of Eel River Bar First Nation and James Robinson, of Metepenagiag First Nation, performed the Opening Prayer.

In addition to setting up the smudge room, the Network will implement ongoing training in cultural competence for nursing staff. This training will enable staff members to deepen their understanding of Indigenous cultures, their history, and the health issues specific to them.

The Network wants to learn from Indigenous communities, and strengthen its partnerships in a spirit of mutual respect,” continues Ms. Martin.

“We are grateful to everyone who helped make this project a reality, and we look forward to continuing our work in collaboration with Indigenous communities to deliver equitable and inclusive health care.”

Gino Mallais, Manager of Centre Espoir et Équilibre, James Robinson, member of Metepenagiag First Nation, Joanna Martin, Nations Regional Health Manager, Robert Pictou, artist and member of Ugpi'ganjig First Nation, Rino Lang, Assistant Vice-President for Professional Services, Chris Wysote, Elder of Listuguj First Nation and Samuel Hébert, Assistant Director, Tertiary and Forensic Psychiatry Services.