First Nations people deserve access to safe and equitable health care. KIM Inc is proud to offer Sākihiwēwin Client Advocate services through the Thompson General Hospital while we work to expand the program to other locations within the 23 northern communities we support.
Sākihiwēwin is a Cree word referring to the love of all creatures. Only love can drive out hate and ignorance.
Love is one of the sacred teachings and a gift from the eagle. With love, all things are possible.
The Sākihiwēwin Client Advocate is a relationship builder, collaborator, and support person whose goal is to improve client experiences when interacting with the healthcare system. Sākihiwēwin system was created to ensure health services accessed by First Nations people in Northern Manitoba are culturally safe, trauma-informed and racism-free.
Client Advocates play a crucial role as guardians and champions of the health and wellness of First Nations as they navigate care provision at Thompson General Hospital.
- Supporting or advocating for your needs when accessing health care
- Ensuring you and/or your family have a full understanding of the health care plan
- Identifing issues of discrimination or racism during your care and assist in voicing your concerns
- Connecting you and/or your family to education, information and community resources
- Connecting you and/or your family to cultural supports and holistic services (access to traditional medicines/ceremony)
Sākihiwēwin Client Advocates can be found Monday to Friday in room M103 on the main floor of the Thompson General Hospital from 7:30AM to 11:00PM.
Additionally, they can be reached by calling 1-888-902-1703, or by emailing [email protected].
Doula/Indigenous Birth Helper Service
An Indigenous Birth Helper, or doula, provides holistic support through pregnancy, birthing, and the post-partum period. Doulas do not perform clinical procedures – their role is to offer emotional, physical, and spiritual support to expecting mothers and their families.
KIM Inc. has teamed up with selected Wiiji’idiwag Ikwewag Inc. to make these services available for expecting mothers and families giving birth in the Thompson General Hospital. Doulas are specially trained to provide culturally-based teachings in order to build confidence and promote the restoration of traditional birth practices.
Doulas are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and empathetic. They are trained to support expecting mothers and their families by sharing their knowledge about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and post-natal care.
They may also accompany you to your appointments if needed, and assist in developing a birth plan as well as communicate with your care providers on your behalf during birthing. Doulas can answer your questions, connect you to helpful community resources, and help you adjust to your new role as a mother.
Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag Inc. is now accepting referrals. Please contact your community health care provider to be referred.
For more information on birth helpers and referrals, please contact Wiiji’idiwag Ikwewag Inc. Click here to visit their website or email [email protected]
For an Indigenous expectant mother to access this service, they must be planning on giving birth at Thompson General Hospital.
Please contact Wiiji’idiwag Ikwewag Inc. for more information. Click here to visit their website or email [email protected]
