Regional Indigenous Cancer Team at Health Sciences North is there to help

SUDBURY— The cancer journey can be overwhelming and frightening for patients and their families, but the Northeast Regional Cancer Program at Health Sciences North (HSN) in Sudbury has a team dedicated to supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis patients.

Made up of physicians and qualified, dedicated staff, the Regional Indigenous Cancer Team provides a holistic approach to healthcare that includes high quality screening, clinical care, traditional healing, health promotion, illness prevention, and community development programs.

Together, this team works to ensure that the delivery of service is met in accordance with achieving health and wellness by collaborating in traditional health practices and hospital-based care.

Meet the team:

• Elaine Innes (Moose Cree) and Dr. Erin Peltier (Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory) currently share the role of the Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead. Their goals are to identify and respond to systemic issues relevant to First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous cancer needs. Dr. Innes and Dr. Peltier will also ensure that First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous perspectives are included within the Regional Cancer Program strategic planning and program design.
• Rose Pitawanakwat (Whitefish River) is the Indigenous Patient Navigator. She provides support for Indigenous patients with cancer and their families along every step of the cancer journey. Her work includes ensuring psychosocial supports and continuity of care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis patients and their families by finding answers to their questions and incorporating culturally-sensitive oncology services. Rose also promotes traditional and western practices in health and healing by facilitating access to cultural, spiritual, and linguistic resources. Rose also provides education and awareness of cancer care to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis patients and their families.
• Clifton Wassengeso (Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory) holds the role of the Indigenous Engagement Liaison. In his work, he supports the implementation of the Regional Indigenous Cancer Plan deliverables including cancer programming, coordination, outreach, and education. He also supports Dr. Innes and Dr. Peltier in the implementation of their work plans. Clifton also establishes partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis and non-community partners to meet cultural needs and ensure access and coordination of services both within and beyond the region.
• David Trudeau (Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory) is the Medicine Lodge Helper at HSN. He is available to ensure that all Indigenous patients, families, and community members are offered the opportunity to use the Medicine Lodge space for holistic health and well-being. David maintains the Medicine Lodge in a manner sensitive to the spiritual nature of Indigenous culture and the traditional medicines being used. David also provides awareness and education for health care providers and staff on the traditional health practices of the Medicine Lodge.

If you have questions or you or someone you know could benefit from the services of the Regional Indigenous Cancer Team, contact information can be found online: https://www.hsnsudbury.ca/portalen/rcp/Programs-Services/Supportive-Care-Program; by calling (705) 522-6237; or e-mailing: cwassengeso@hsnsudbury.ca.