The Toronto-based St. Michael’s and Providence Foundation has announced a C$11 million ($8.1 million) gift from the Krawczyk Family Foundation to advance Indigenous health and reconciliation and address disparities experienced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities in the region.
The gift will fund several new and expanded initiatives at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and Providence Healthcare in Scarborough, Ontario, including an Indigenous Wellness Centre at Providence; land-based healing spaces, including a medicine garden, sweat lodge, and teaching arbor; creation of additional Indigenous wellness worker positions in the hospital; expanded patient access to elders and traditional care providers; and development of quality assurance and improvement initiatives rooted in Indigenous health priorities.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the ceremonial opening of the Indigenous Wellness Centre at St. Michael’s, also funded by the foundation.
“The process of truth and reconciliation is a lifelong journey that must be rooted in healthy, respectful relationship building with Indigenous people and Indigenous-led organizations,” said Krawczyk Family Foundation founder Alex Krawczyk. “Through this gift, I hope to contribute to the important work St. Michael’s Hospital and Providence Healthcare are leading to support health and healing for Indigenous people and communities.”
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