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Horizon provides health care to Indigenous people living in what is now known as New Brunswick. Traditionally this area was a part of the Wabanaki territory. We are working to improve services for Indigenous individuals living within and outside First Nation communities.

Wolastoqiyik and Mi'kmaq First Nation communities within New Brunswick are:

• Amlamgog (Fort Folly)
• Elsipogtog (Big Cove)
• Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church)
• L'nui Menikuk (Indian Island)
• Matawaskiye (Madawaska)
• Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation (Red Bank)
• Natoaganeg (Eel Ground)
• Neqotkuk (Tobique)
• Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau)
• Pilick (Kingsclear)
• Sitansisk (Saint Mary's)
• Tjipogtotjg (Buctouche)
• Ugpi'ganjig (Eel River Bar)
• Welamukotuk (Oromocto)
• Wotstak (Woodstock)

Indigenous Liaison Committee

The committee reports to the VP of Community. The main purpose is to provide assistance to the Horizon Board, management, and health care personnel in order to obtain a good understanding of the particular health care needs, concerns and interests of the First Nations. 

The Committee's work should assist in assuring consistent quality, effectiveness and efficiency; and promote cultural sensitivity in the provision of health care to all those served by Horizon.

Traditional Indigenous Health Messages

We are proud to display a collection of posters featuring traditional Indigenous health messages within our regional facilities starting this fall.

At Horizon, we continue to work to create respectful and inclusive health services that support Indigenous culture and values.

The Horizon Indigenous Liaison Committee supported this work, which brought together beautiful artwork by local artists as well as health messages developed by the Natoaganeg Language Committee. A special thank you to Opolahsomuwehs and the Natoageneg Language Committee for translating these messages.

Natoageneg Language Committee Members: Lois Augustine, Madeline Ward, Josie Trevors, Freeman Patles, Freda Simon, Mary Ginnish and Carol Ann Francis.

Smudging Ceremonies at Horizon

Smudging ceremonies are available across Horizon when requested. Horizon's Smudging Policy ensures staff can facilitate smudging requests made by patients and their families in a safe and respectful way.

Horizon's smudging policy was developed under the guidance of the Indigenous Liaison Committee (ILC) and the Population Health team. There was broad consultation over a two-year period, with the ILC, Elders, and key stakeholders across Horizon.

Offering traditional smudging ceremonies when possible aligns with Horizon's patient and family centred approach to care, and our values, and is an important step forward in strengthening Horizon's working relationship with First Nations, while enhancing our cultural competency and the safety of our patients and clients.

Sacred Medicines

The sacred medicines of sage, sweetgrass and cedar are now available in some Horizon facilities.

Patients may request sacred medicines during their hospital stay at one of the following Horizon facilities:

• Charlotte County Hospital (St. Stephen)
• Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (Fredericton)
• Hotel-Dieu St. Joseph (Perth-Andover)
• Miramichi Regional Hospital
• The Moncton Hospital
• Oromocto Public Hospital
• Saint John Regional Hospital
• Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation (Fredericton)
• Upper River Valley Hospital (Waterville)

Patients and families are encouraged to talk to staff about ways they can help to support your cultural and spiritual needs.

For more information on the Indigenous Liaison Committee, availability of sacred medicines or other initiatives please contact Population Health Department at 453-7119.

To discuss your health care experience, please click here, to contact the Patient Representative in your area.

Updated: March 2022