Each year on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) offers an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

In health care, this day is also a reminder of the importance of listening, learning, and continuing the work toward culturally safe and equitable care for Indigenous patients, families, and communities.

There is good news worth celebrating. Across Canada, Indigenous-led health care initiatives are growing and creating meaningful change. More health care organizations are embracing cultural safety education, partnering with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, supporting traditional healing practices, and creating spaces where Indigenous voices are guiding care and decision-making.

We are also seeing increasing recognition that healing is not only physical, but emotional, mental, and spiritual as well, an understanding that aligns closely with many Indigenous worldviews and teachings.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to celebrate resilience, strength, knowledge, and community. It is also a chance for all of us in health care to reflect on how we can continue building relationships rooted in respect, compassion, humility, and reconciliation.

We encourage staff to take time to learn, participate in community events, and celebrate the vibrant cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples today and every day.

Learn More: Indigenous-Led Change in Health Care

·  First Nations Health Authority – Traditional Wellness & Healing

·  Canadian Medical Association – Indigenous-Led Health Care in Canada

·  Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (Ontario)

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All are welcome to the Pow Wow at Anemki Wajiw celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. Click here or see the poster below to learn more.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre plays a key role in health care for the people of Northwestern Ontario. As the only academic health sciences centre in the region, we are dedicated to providing complex acute and specialty care, teaching the next generation of health care providers, and advancing medical research through the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.

Strategic Plan 2026, outlines our priorities of equity, diversity, and inclusion; patient and staff experience; research, innovation, and learning. These directions, along with the supports we put in place, will lead us to a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable future.

By committing to a Sustainable Future, we will ensure a healthy tomorrow for everyone in our region. This aspect of our strategic plan focuses on building a strong foundation for care: integrating innovation, partnerships, and accountability at every step.

To ensure our long-term success, we are focusing on the advancement of digital health services, system integration and operational sustainability. We are prioritizing services, greater efficiency, and strengthening partnerships to continue to provide exceptional care for every patient, every time.

(Via TBRHSC Media Release)

For the fourth year of the joint Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI) Strategic Plan 2026, we are pleased to provide this report back to the community on the progress to date.

The plan focuses on five strategic pillars: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Patient Experience; Staff Experience; Research, Innovation and Learning, and Sustainable Future.

Each year, a strategic priority is featured through video, and a range of communications, providing a closer look at some of the initiatives TBRHSC and TBRHRI have undertaken to advance health care in Northwestern Ontario. This year, the organizations are highlighting initiatives that support the priority of Sustainable Future.

“Looking ahead, we are committed to an environment defined by exceptional patient care, an engaged workforce, strong partnerships, and the responsible stewardship of our resources,” says Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO at TBRHSC and CEO at TBRHRI. “Through the integration of sustainable practices across our operations, we are creating a stronger, more resilient hospital — one that is prepared to meet the evolving needs of the people of Northwestern Ontario today and for generations to come.”

Initiatives to support this commitment include the expansion of our Hospital footprint and programming to include cardiovascular surgery (launching in 2028); implementing an integrated electronic health record system to improve clinical processes and patient care; building outpatient programs to enhance care for children with medical complexity and harnessing technology and data to improve outcomes for stroke patients. These are just a few examples of initiatives that will make certain we continue to meet the needs of patients and families now and in the future.

“The Board recognizes that sustainability is integral to our mission and long-term success, ensuring we can provide exceptional care for every patient, every time — today and into the future” states Patricia Lang, Board Chair for TBRHSC. “Through thoughtful planning and responsible stewardship, we are safeguarding the future of our hospital, strengthening our capacity to deliver high-quality patient care while remaining responsive and sustainable in a changing healthcare environment.”

“Research and innovation play a vital role in creating a sustainable health care system,” says Dr. Andrew Dean, Board Chair for TBRHRI. “By advancing new knowledge, fostering collaboration, and exploring solutions to the unique health challenges facing Northwestern Ontario, we are helping to improve patient outcomes while strengthening the future of health care. Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, and our commitment to research ensures that we continue to discover better ways to care for patients and support healthier communities.”

As Strategic Plan 2026 comes to a close, TBRHSC and TBRHRI have successfully launched all 26 initiatives aligned with the five Strategic Directions. While this marks a significant milestone, many of these initiatives will continue to evolve as we advance our vision through a new Strategic Plan.

View the Year Four Progress through the TBRHSC Annual Report here, or the TBRHRI Annual Report here.

View the Sustainable Future video here.

To view the current career opportunities available at TBRHSC and TBRHRI, please visit our website at jobs.tbrhsc.net.

Want to be Featured in the 2027 Well-Being Calendar?

It is time again to open submissions for the 2027 Well-Being Calendar.

Show us how you or your team make your workplace healthier and happier! Scan the QR code below or click this link to submit yourself or your team as a feature, or to submit a recipe!

Together we can make 2027 the healthiest year yet!

Shared on behalf of John Ross, Director, Surgical and Ambulatory Services

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I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jolyne Fadyshen as Manager of Ambulatory Care, Fracture Clinic and Rehabilitation Services, effective June 15, 2026. 

Jolyne is a dynamic clinical leader with a proven track record at TBRHSC, enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration. Jolyne has excelled in program development and clinical quality improvement, demonstrating advanced clinical knowledge and exceptional communication skills.

Jolyne is an accomplished healthcare leader with more than 23 years of nursing experience, including her role as Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist since 2018. She obtained her Masters Science of Nursing in Specialization in Education in 2024.

Jolyne has been Acting Manager of Ambulatory Care, Fracture Clinic and Rehabilitation Services since February 2025 and we are happy to have her join the team permanently. 

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Jolyne to her permanent role.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Endless Savings have teamed up to offer employees more discounts. Click the poster to learn how to download our customized storefront app and to shop this new list of offerings.

On June 17, we recognize and celebrate the dedicated members of our Switchboard team who help keep our Hospital connected every day.

As the first point of contact for many patients, families and staff, our switchboard operators play a vital role in ensuring calls are answered, information is shared, and people are connected to the support they need. Their professionalism, patience, and commitment help our hospital run smoothly around the clock.

Thank you to our Switchboard team for the important work you do behind the scenes and for the exceptional service you provide to our community every day.

Please join us in showing our appreciation for these invaluable team members! 

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It’s time to get a head start on your annual learning requirements. The 2026–2027 Corporate Mandatory eLearning courses are now available through your Dual Code LMS Progress Dashboard. All courses must be completed by March 31, 2027.

National data shows only about one-third of adults reach 7,500 steps per day. That means most of us have room to move a little more.

Replacing just one short car trip can help close that gap. A few extra minutes of walking or cycling during your commute adds up over time.

Join the Active Commute Challenge and start building movement into your day.