Healing centre opens at General Hospital

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After four years of planning, hard work and the inspiration of "King Eagle" from Piapot First Nation, the new Native healing centre at the General Hospital was officially opened Dec. 10 by Regina Health District staff and members of the Aboriginal community. Even though it was a long time coming, the late Elder Emil Piapot of the Native Counselling Services would have approved.

"We had quite a shindig," said Lynda Francis, the director of Native Counselling Services, noting that traditional food was served to almost 300 guests. The healing centre was dedicated to Piapot, who was the Elder when the counselling program first started 17 years ago until 1995.

The Wasakaw Pisim Native Counselling Services, which means "circle of the sun" in Cree, is located adjacent to the main entrance of the hospital. It will house a family lounge and the offices of nine full-time staff who will provide counselling, cross-cultural training and referrals to other agencies for Aboriginal people. Their work also involves follow-up with patients in the community.

"We've all been in places where we feel very strange and alienated. If you're sick and in a hospital, it can be a very strange place. If you come in on an emergency basis, you don't know who to ask questions and sometimes the doctors are very busy. A lot of times the family member has to stay a few days - and they're wondering what's going on.

"We're there to try and cushion that."

Francis stresses that the counselling service is non-political and non-controversial, and has tried to maintain a low profile over the years. That's because the counselling services are client-oriented and a team approach focuses on building trust and respect with patients. Staff are trained to be sensitive to the needs of hospital policies and procedures, while at the same time to be knowledgeable and respectful of the traditional healing approach of Aboriginal culture.

The focal point of the new $312,000 facility is an enclosed, circular healing room crafted with hardwood strip floors and rough concrete walls. A skylight at the apex of the structure allows the interior to be bathed in natural light.

"We've had a lot of people come in and pray," said Francis, adding that all races and religions are welcome. "We have a lot of terminally ill patients so there's family who want to come in and pray. It's also used for feasts and talking circles. So, it's been really well used."

The healing room may also be used for burning sweet grass and holding healing ceremonies. It also acts as a peaceful sanctuary and meeting place for staff.

A similar facility was opened in September of 1998 at the Pasqua Hospital, but there are no others like them in Canada, said Jim Saunders, interim chief executive officer of the Regina Health District.

"The unique program here will be of interest across Canada. All of the Aboriginal people in all of the other provinces have unique health needs and will be watching," said Saunders. "The healing centre enables us to understand their culture and their health needs and it allows us to meet those needs much more effectively than in any other setting."

The Aboriginal staff also service patients at the Pasqua Hospital, Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, and in the community assisting with tuberculosis patients.

The healing centre will be used by people from outside the Regina Health District. In recognition of that, Lena Clearsky and a delegation from Waywayseecappo First Nation in southwest Manitoba presented staff with a blue and white, handmade blanket. As well, the File Hills Tribal Council donated a painting by Simone McLeod in recognition of the occasion.