New Partnership to Support Indigenous Health Equity in Ottawa
Photo of leadership teams from the Wabano Centre – Indigenous Centre for Excellence in Health and Queensway Carleton Hospital at the signing of a new partnership agreement. From left to right: Yvonne Wilson, VP Patient Care & Chief Nursing Executive at QCH; Allison Fisher, Executive Director at Wabano; Dr. Andrew Falconer, President & CEO at QCH; Gisèle Larocque, VP of Allied Health, Organizational Effectiveness, Health Information Management, Chief Privacy Officer & Chief Human Resources Officer at QCH; Natalie Lloyd, Director of Administration, Communications, and Engagement at Wabano.
The Wabano Centre – Indigenous Centre for Excellence in Health and Queensway Carleton Hospital are excited to announce a new partnership agreement to strengthen collaboration and support Indigenous health equity and culturally safe care for First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous communities in Ottawa.
This partnership is founded on respect and recognizes Wabano’s leadership in advancing Indigenous health and healing in the region. Wabano is a trusted advocate for culturally safe, responsive services that promote holistic well-being. Queensway Carleton Hospital approaches this collaboration with openness, cultural humility, and a commitment to support Indigenous-led priorities through meaningful action.
Representatives reflected on the journey that led to this agreement, emphasizing the importance of partnership, dedication, and the healthcare system’s responsibility to listen to Indigenous voices and support Indigenous leadership in advancing meaningful change.
“This is more than a signing—it is the beginning of a relationship rooted in respect, understanding, and a shared vision for a healthier future,” said Allison Fisher, CEO of Wabano. “We honour this new path forward with these words:
I walk.
With beauty before me may I walk.
With beauty behind me may I walk.
With beauty below me may I walk.
With beauty above me may I walk.
With beauty all around me may I walk."
“Queensway Carleton Hospital and Foundation recognize the critical importance of reconciliation and improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities,” said Dr. Andrew Falconer, President and CEO of Queensway Carleton Hospital. “Our partnership with Wabano is rooted in respect and humility. We acknowledge the historical and ongoing systemic inequities affecting Indigenous Peoples’ health and well-being. Together, we are committed to confronting racism and discrimination, improving access to culturally safe services, supporting Indigenous healing practices, and creating welcoming, respectful spaces for Indigenous patients, families, staff, and physicians.”
The purpose of this partnership is to:
Work closely with Wabano to better understand and address barriers to healthcare access across First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous communities in Ottawa. This work is guided by their distinct experiences, priorities, and rights.
Establish respectful, ongoing mechanisms that centre Indigenous voices and provide safe spaces to discuss sensitive and critical issues faced by Indigenous patients and families.
Support Indigenous health priorities including mental health, substance use wellness, chronic illness, and the well-being of children, families, and communities—rooted in cultural knowledge, community relationships, and principles of cultural safety and humility.
Take sustained and intentional action to advance Indigenous-led priorities, promote health equity, and rebuild trust in healthcare systems. We recognize that cultural safety is earned through consistent, respectful engagement.
Photo of Dr. Katalin Kovacs (Chief of Staff at QCH), Allison Fisher (Executive Director at Wabano) and Dr. Andrew Falconer (President & CEO at QCH), standing in front of paintings by Duncan Pheasant, which were gifted to QCH by Wabano Centre.
About the paintings GIFTED TO qch BY wABANO cENTRE:
We are honoured to hang two paintings—an eagle and a falcon—by Duncan Pheasant, an Ojibwe artist from M’Chigeeng First Nation on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island). The paintings are now on display in the hallway on the main floor at QCH, in front of the Spiritual Care Sacred Space and The Gift Box.
Duncan paints in the Woodland Style, and his work is rooted in Anishinaabe teachings passed down from his grandfather. These paintings carry meaning. They are more than artwork—they hold teachings that have been generously shared with us. This artwork embodies important cultural teachings and relationships, and we commit to honouring it with respect and care. As a gesture of recognition, we presented a blanket to honour Wabano’s generosity, leadership, and trust.
