Construction is moving forward towards the first Indigenous healing space in Canada that is designed for kids and their families in a children’s hospital. 

The $2.2 million project at HSC Children’s Hospital is being led by Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and health care experts as well as children and families from Métis, Inuit and First Nations communities.

Originally, after planning began in 2015, led by Dr. Melanie Morris who is Canada’s first Indigenous pediatric surgeon and Physician Lead, Indigenous Health at HSC Children’s, the project has been guided and supported by Elders Levinia Brown, Barbara Bruce, Sherry Copenace, Margaret Lavallee, Charlotte Nolin, Martha Peet, Jack Robinson, Katherine Whitecloud as well as the late Valdie Seymour and Barry Lavallee. Indigenous designer, Destiny Seymour has been involved to ensure every decision reflects community voices and priorities.

Upon completion, the 2,000 square foot space for healing will be a safe place for children and families to connect with each other and nurture their whole self, physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

The space will honour First Nations, Métis and Inuit values and ways of knowing and healing.

“This project represents our deep commitment to reconciliation in health care. HSC Children’s Hospital must be a place where every child feels safe, supported, and close to the heart of their community,” says Dr. Patricia Birk, Provincial Specialty Lead, Child Health, Shared Health, and Department Head, Pediatrics & Child Health in a news release. “Having access to Elders, to ceremony, to Indigenous art and the healing power of nature — these elements are not extra, they are essential to healing. This space is a profound step in understanding and honouring the needs of Indigenous kids and families who rely on Children’s.”

“As an Indigenous surgeon, woman, and mother, it has been so important that this project remain Indigenous-led from the beginning to end,” says Dr. Morris in a news release. “It has taken time because we listened, learned and implemented components that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities told us were most important for their children. This process matters – we want to do this in a good way, with respect for community voices.”

The Foundation and HSC Children’s Hospital are excited for the project and say it is part of an “essential ReconciliACTION – a tangible commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, including recognition of Indigenous healing practices (Call to Action 22),” saying in a news release.

“This is more than a construction project—it is an act of reconciliation, building a better future for Indigenous children and families needing health care, and it is a commitment to mutual respect and understanding that will continue to support healing of bodies, hearts, minds, and spirits,” says Stefano Grande, President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba in a news release. “We know that at any given time, upwards of 60 per cent of the children in our hospital are Indigenous, many from remote and northern communities. This space will help families feel safe, respected, and supported while children are in hospital. It is not only important for Manitoba — it is momentous for our entire country.”

Currently, there are very few visible signs of Indigenous lands, cultural beliefs, or worldviews inside the buildings in the hospital. Many Indigenous children from around Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut come to HSC. Access to Indigenous worldview and traditional medicine is essential and is part of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The new space, designed by Stantec in collaboration with Indigenous designer Destiny Seymour of Indigo Arrows, will feature:


Design elements reflective of First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture, spirituality, and worldview
Space for traditional Indigenous ceremonies, including smudging
Place for Indigenous Elders, healers and Knowledge Keepers
Library space for Indigenous language books
Comfortable breastfeeding corner
Private space for important conversations
Technology that allows kids unable to physically leave a hospital ward to see ceremonies or programming happening in the healing space, and connect with their remote communities, family and Elders

A construction services tender has been issued, and submissions are in review.

While many major generous donations have been made, additional funds are still required to complete construction, furnish the space, and develop culturally relevant programming. Donations can be made here.

“We appreciate the leadership of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs for their official endorsement of the Indigenous Community Healing Space at HSC Children’s Hospital. This Indigenous-led project is the first of its kind in Canada and is an important step in reconciliation within health care,” says Grande in a news release. “Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba continue to work closely with Indigenous leaders and families to support continued improvement in health care. We invite Manitobans to join us in supporting this momentous project for kids.”