Indigenous Self-Identification
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Proposed Indigenous Self-Identification at Niagara Health
This initiative represents a significant step forward in our efforts to provide culturally informed care and services that enhance Indigenous patients' care experiences. By acknowledging and addressing the unique needs of Indigenous patients, we aim to close the gap in health and wellness outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. Those who choose to do so will be connected with an Indigenous Relations Specialist, who can provide cultural support, advocacy and specialized health information.
We understand that sharing Indigenous self-identification information is a sensitive and confidential process that Indigenous patients and Indigenous health leaders should guide to ensure it is carried out in a culturally safe and supportive way.
The Indigenous Health Services team at Niagara Health can assist you with:
- Patient advocacy
- Supporting informed healthcare decisions
- Access to traditional ceremonies and medicines
- Enhancing communication between patients, families, and the healthcare team
- Discharge planning and finding wrap-around community support.
- Advocating for rights of passage
Learn more about the engagement process with Niagara’s Indigenous community.
Plan Overview
- Meet with Indigenous Organization Leaders
- Meet with Indigenous Organization Programs/Service providers
- Meet with community members
- Refine the question/process
- Create a safety plan:
- Train staff
- Build the Indigenous Identity question into the Hospital Information System (Launch pilot: 2026)
- Educate community
If your group or organization would like to meet, please contact: shyann.jenkins@niagarahealth.on.ca
Engagement Process
Phase 1: Meeting with Indigenous Organization Leaders
- DAHAC – September 9, 2025
- NPAAMB – September 23, 2025
- IPHCC – September 23, 2025
- OHWest – November 11, 2025
- NCNW – February 5, 2026
Phase 2: Meeting with Indigenous programs and support service providers:
- NPAAMB – September 23, 2025
- IDHC programs – October 14, November 10, 2025
- NRNC: LLC – October 17, 2025
- DAHAC: Primary Care – November 12, 2025
- BCHS: Indigenous Health – December 10, 2025
- FENFC: Head Start – February 5, 2026
Phase 3: Engaging with Indigenous community members of the Niagara region:
- NPAAMB youth engagement at Community Connections Event – November 5, 2026
- NPAAMB After Hours Youth Drop-in – November 26, 2026
- NRNC community drum night – December 1, 2025
- Silver Foxes Programming at NRNC – December 2, 2025
- Roots in Reconciliation Event – December 9, 2025
- Brock Powwow – January 16, 2026
- NPAAMB Arts to Employment (Fort Erie Site) – February 5, 2026
- FENFC: Head Start parents – February 5, 2026
- Midwinter New Year's Gathering – February 6, 2026
- Indigenous Education (IE) Community Services Fair (Niagara College) - February 18/19, 2026
- Redefining Beauty, Health and Wellness Symposium - February 26, 2026
More events to be shared (will be updated regularly)
Engagement Sessions
January 29, 2026
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Niagara Falls Public Library - 4848 Victoria Ave Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2C3
February 2, 2026
5 to 6:30 p.m.
St. Catharines Public Library - Central Library Branch - 54 Church St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7K2
February 5, 2026
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Welland Public Library - Main Branch- 50 The Boardwalk, Welland, ON L3B 6J1
What is self-identification?
Indigenous self-identification is a voluntary way for patients to let us know they are Indigenous, helping Niagara Health gauge community presence within our hospitals to inform culturally safer care, service planning and supports.
Please complete the Indigenous Self-Identity Process survey.
If you would like to be informed about future education events, please be sure to provide your email during the survey.
Learn more about the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team
Extraordinary Caring. Every Person. Every Time.
