Indigenous healing space at HSC Children's Hospital begins construction

Construction has begun on a 2,000-square-foot Indigenous-led healing space at HSC Children's Hospital, described as the first of its kind in Canada. The $2.2 million project includes ceremonial and cultural supports, and the foundation is seeking an additional $1 million in funding.

Construction is starting on an Indigenous-led healing space for children and families at HSC Children's Hospital. The project grew from more than a decade of work led by Métis pediatric surgeon Dr. Melanie Morris and is described by the foundation as the first of its kind in Canada. The 2,000 square-foot (185 square metre) space is being designed by Stantec with Indigenous designer Destiny Seymour and will include cultural and spiritual elements. A foundation news release says the project is budgeted at $2.2 million and that additional fundraising is underway. Key details: - Size and cost: 2,000 square feet (185 square metres) with a reported budget of $2.2 million. - Design and leadership: Indigenous-led project designed by Stantec and Destiny Seymour; Dr. Melanie Morris has been the physician lead for the initiative. - Planned features: space for traditional ceremonies including smudging, an area for Elders and knowledge keepers, a library with Indigenous-language books, a breastfeeding corner, and technology to connect families in remote communities. - Patient context: the hospital foundation says about 60 per cent of children accessing care at the hospital are Indigenous, which the foundation links to broader historical factors. - Timeline and funding: a construction services tender has been issued and submissions are under review; the foundation hopes to raise an additional $1 million and expects construction to take about a year. Summary: The project is presented as a culturally specific space intended to make health care settings more welcoming for Indigenous children and families and to support traditional practices. Officials report a tender process is underway, fundraising continues, and the foundation hopes construction will be completed in about a year.