Oshawa Hospital Opens Indigenous Sacred Fire Space

Lakeridge Health has opened an Indigenous Sacred Fire space at Oshawa Hospital. The space is located near the southeast corner of the hospital within the Healing Garden, outside the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre. This initiative aims to provide Indigenous patients and families with access to culturally appropriate services and supports, including participation in ceremonies and community programming.

The opening ceremony, held on April 22, 2024, included the lighting of the first sacred fire by Tim Smoke, Firekeeper at Alderville First Nation. Showna Smoke, Knowledge Keeper from Alderville First Nation, provided teachings on the importance of the sacred fire.

The Indigenous Sacred Fire space is the first of its kind within Lakeridge Health. The organization plans to install similar spaces at all hospital locations across its regional system of care. The space will be available for use by Indigenous patients, families, staff, and community members, with guidance and support from the Indigenous Navigator and the Central East Regional Indigenous Cancer Program.