Strengthening Culturally Safe Care for Indigenous Children and Families

SUDBURY – Health Sciences North (HSN) and Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services (KGCFS) recently signed a Joint Protocol Agreement to strengthen how support is provided to Indigenous children, youth, and families when they attend the hospital for care.

The agreement details how our teams will collaborate the ensure coordinated and culturally safe responses to pediatric care needs. It clarifies the roles and responsibilities of both organizations emphasizing our shared commitment to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of Indigenous children while respecting the rights of Anishinabek families and communities.

Through this partnership, HSN clinical teams and KGCFS will work together to promote healing, family preservation, and community-led care whenever Indigenous children require hospital services.

The protocol is rooted in principles of; cultural safety and respect, family-centered and strength-based approaches, collaboration and communication. For more information about HSN and KGCFS, we invite you to visit our respective websites. www.hsnsudbury.ca and www.kgcfs.org.

Chi Miigwetch

Protocol Signing Group Photo – February 25, 2026

Pictured left to right:

Back Row: Valerie Ross, HSN Director of Indigenous Health Program; Daniel Molke, HSN Vice-President, Mental Health and Addictions, NEO Kids, Womens Health and Social Accountability.

Middle Row: Natascha Contin, KGCFS Service Manager; Dorothy Fox, KGCFS Elder In Residence; Stephanie Winn, Regional Vice-President, Cancer Care and Vice-President, Surgery, Medical Imaging and Indigenous Health; Natalie Kennedy, Administrative Director NEO Kids, Family and Women’s+ Program; Rachel Mishibinijima, KGCFS Services Supervisor; Patrick Trudeau, KGCFS Youth Cultural Support Worker

Front Row: David McNeil, Health Sciences North, President & CEO; Marcella Guerin, KGCFS Service Manager

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