Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness.

The day aims to recognize and celebrate the diversity of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ identities, expressions, and experiences, while also raising awareness about the unique challenges they face and highlighting their valuable contributions.

Developed by the Two Spirit community and the Centre for Community-Based Research in Alberta, this observance takes place on March 20, intentionally coinciding with the spring equinox—a time symbolizing transformation and change, which holds significance for Two-Spirit peoples.

Together, we are advancing towards providing a culturally safe experience for all patients and staff and fostering understanding, community, and safety for all patients. Embracing these values is a top priority in our Strategic Plan 2026, and we are actively working to integrate them into every facet of our organization.

To learn more, click here!

Check out the YouTube videos and the podcast below to hear the stories of Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ Indigenous individuals.

The Indigenous Doctor Helping Trans Youth

• Alberta, Canada. Doctor James Makokis identifies as “two-spirit” – a term used by and for Indigenous LGBT+ people in North America who identify with both masculinity and femininity and which harks back to pre-colonial third gender roles. On the First Nations reservation of Kehewin Cree Nation, Dr. Makokis spends much of his working life supporting other “two-spirit” people, particularly transgender teenagers, many of whom face persecution within their own communities.

Elder Ma-Nee Chacaby Talks About 2-Spirit Identities

• Two-Spirit Elder Ma-Nee Chacaby shares her personal story as well as teachings

A 2-Spirit Journey:

Finding Identity Through Indigenous Culture

• Gina knew there was something missing in her life. Seeking help from a spiritual healer, she realized the answers lied within her own Mi’gmaq culture.

Deconstructing Colonial Gender Roles with Dr. Ruth Green (Podcast)

• Green is an activist turned accidental academic. She identifies as an urban Indigenous person and is a citizen of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She is from the Kanien’keha:ka Nation and is a member of the Turtle Clan.
• Green likes to think, discuss, and write about Indigenous education. She teaches about the Indigenous resistance to the social issues that the geo-political nation-state of Canada has created while also working to address the impacts on Indigenous communities.

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Did you know that Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) participates in the co-operative education placement program?

Co-operative education (also known as high school co-op) provides secondary school students with an immersive learning experience in a safe, culturally responsive environment. The co-operative education program aligns with our mission as an academic health sciences centre and our strategic priority Staff Experience , allowing students to learn about TBRHSC and to apply their skills and interests in different areas of the Hospital. Placements have been offered in various departments including Medical Device Reprocessing, Intensive Care Unit, Cancer Center, Cafeteria, Professional Practice, Nutrition & Food Services, Surgical Inpatient & Neurosurgery, Hemodialysis, Patient Portering, Housekeeping and Operating Room. Students are able to engage in unique learning opportunities that are not only memorable, but allow them to gain practical, hands on work experience that enhances their resume. In addition, the program can help students decide on a post-secondary career path, and may find themselves working at TBRHSC in the future!

Each student has a direct supervisor in their placement area, available to support them and answer any questions.

Here is what our supervisors have to say about the co-operative education experience:

Kerry Posselwhite, Manager, Base Hospital/Regional Trauma Program/Nurse Lead Outreach Team/Upsala Nursing Station

“The Northwest Region Prehospital Care Program, Trauma program and Nurse Lead Outreach Team all had the privilege of having Preston, a grade 12 student from St. Patrick’s High School. In the short months Preston had with this placement, he was able to widen his knowledge in the Paramedic field, office environment, experience a routine workday with the Nurse Practitioner’s and gain knowledge while assisting in tasks with the Trauma program. While each day brought a new challenge, Preston never missed an opportunity to learn and gain new skills, and demonstrated that he was a team player and was always positive and willing to help. It was a pleasure having Preston and we wish him all the best in his future education.”

Laura Jurimae, Manager, 3A Surgery

“Having Kali on 3A Surgery was an absolute pleasure. This was the first time 3A had a co-op student on the unit. Kali consistently approached her work with a positive attitude, always arriving with a smile that set a positive tone for the day. Kali was proactive in seeking out tasks and projects beyond her assigned responsibilities. She demonstrated eagerness to learn and grow, consistently taking on new challenges. Kali’s tenure as a co-op student was marked by her outstanding work ethic, proactive approach, friendly demeanor, and commitment to continuous improvement. We appreciated having her as a part of our team, and we wish her luck in the future.”

Ron Garon, Manager, Perioperative Services

“Cameron came to the OR knowing she wanted a career in health care, but was undecided on the path she wished to take; after her experience in the OR she has chosen nursing as her entry point into the Health Care industry. Cameron came prepared daily and researched the procedures she was going to be observing. The patients were extremely receptive to having a co-op student observe their procedure. Having a co-op student is rewarding for all parties involved and offers insight into areas most students would never be able to see”

Katherine Tuomi, Manager, Diagnostic Imaging

“We had Carrie in Diagnostic Imaging for co-op placement and she was definitely an asset. From day one, she was an enthusiastic learner and eager to help out in any area that she was needed. As Diagnostic Imaging encompasses many imaging modalities and specialties, we wanted to rotate her through and give her exposure to as many as possible so that she could make an informed future career decision. Carrie approached her tasks and our patients with a high work ethic, a positive attitude and a friendly “patient-first” demeanour which supported the TBRHSC vision of exceptional care for every patient, every time. We were truly pleased to have Carrie as part of our Diagnostic Imaging team, and we wish her well in all her future endeavours.”

Edith Hart, Manager, Critical Care and Respiratory Services

“Ray and Nadia were awesome additions to the ICU team. They had many opportunities to learn all about critical care nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy and physiotherapy. It was a pleasure to have them on our team.”

Participating in a co-op placement at TBRHSC can help students see the possibilities that the future can bring and it assists us in developing our future workforce. Students create community connections while observing the value of education, and of being engaged, and compassionate members of the community.
Each semester the high schools receive a list of the available co-operative education placements. To learn more about future high school co-op placement opportunities contact the Human Resources Department at tbrhsc.humanresources@tbh.net.

Shared on behalf of Blake Rathje, Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Distribution, Purchasing & Stores

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Please note, Stores and the Print Shop will be closing early to complete year-end inventory counts on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Access to Stores will only be available in emergency situations. Please place orders for Stock items prior to the end of day on Thursday, March, 20. Orders placed on Friday, March 21, may not be delivered until Monday, March, 24.  

Stores will re-open and resume regular hours on Saturday, March 22, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. 

For more information, please contact, Blake Rathje Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Distribution, Purchasing & Stores at Blake.Rathje1@tbh.net.

Today is Dietitian Day in Canada. It celebrates dietitians as regulated health care professionals, committed to using their specialized knowledge and skills to translate the science of nutrition into terms everyone can understand to unlock food’s potential and support healthy living for all Canadians.

Dietitians are rigorously trained and regulated health care professionals and remain the most credible source of food and nutrition information. Dietitians can help cut through the clutter of fads and gimmicks. They provide ethical, evidence-based nutrition advice to help you eat in a way that works with your culture and traditions, preferences, nutritional and personal needs such as taste, food skills, budget, and health conditions.

Happy Dietitian Day to all the dietitians at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) who support hundreds of patients each year. We connected with TBRHSC dietitians to talk to them about their role.

Today’s spotlight features Olivia!

Name: Olivia Zanette
Position: Registered Dietitian

Tell us about your role on the Nutrition and Food Service team. The Regional Bariatric Care Centre (RBCC) endorses treatment based on the three pillars of obesity management that support everyday nutrition and activity: psychological intervention, pharmacological therapy, and bariatric surgery. We offer a number of treatment options for patients such as pharmacotherapy and/or meal replacement therapy and bariatric surgery in conjunction with nutrition and physical activity counselling and psychological intervention.  My role as a Registered Dietitian working within the RBCC focuses on nutritional management of obesity as a chronic disease.  We collaborate with patients to help enact realistic, sustainable nutrition lifestyle behaviours and skills to support healthy living in conjunction with their treatment plan.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role? Dietitians are a main point of contact with patients within the RBCC, we work with patients over the course of years. We build and maintain relationships with a variety of diverse patients, getting to know them well. At early points of contact in a patient’s journey, we often spend time discussing health and quality of life goals, how living in a larger body influences daily life and what they would like to see themself achieve or improve through treatment. Watching patients achieve their goals and seeing the impacts it has on their health and quality of life in real time is the most rewarding part of my role. 

What inspired you to work in the field?I spent time at the RBCC as a dietetic intern, it was by far the most unique and personally intriguing placement I was engaged in. I also have people within my life living with obesity, some who have accessed bariatric treatment and saw the benefits and positive impact to their lives, making this area meaningful to me. 

How does working on a team of individuals from diverse backgrounds contribute to a positive impact on patient experience? Being a part of a dynamic interprofessional team is something that has helped me grow within my career as a Dietitian, it gives you such an appreciation for the wealth of knowledge coworkers from different health care backgrounds provide and shows you different perspectives. Working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team also helps to provide patients with individualized care and support based on what their needs may be.

Stay tuned for our next spotlight this week!

With Perkopolis, a proud member of TBHRSC Affinity Program, you can save more on everything from clothes and groceries, to events and travel. This perks program is free for you, so start enjoying members-only offers today.

To register:

1. Go to perkopolis.com
2. Enter our corporate emails address
3. Look for an emails from Perkopolis with a link to complete your registration

View the full Affinity List here.

Lakehead University’s Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences (FHBS) is proud to announce the first of three new micro-credential courses designed to address critical areas of need in the health of Northern, rural, and remote regions. 

Mental Health Care in Rural and Remote Regions will equip learners with an understanding of the unique challenges, opportunities, and strategies for delivering mental health care in rural, remote and northern settings. Developed for learners in any professional role, the course emphasizes cultural considerations and strength-based care approaches while providing practical, evidence-based strategies to address mental health challenges in rural and remote settings.

This online, self-paced program starts April 14, 2025, and will help you:

• Understand the unique needs of individuals in Northern, rural, and remote communities
• Develop culturally informed care plans
• Access and utilize available resources

Improve your mental health care practice and help those facing unique challenges.

Mental Health Care in Rural and Remote Regions Course: 

Start Date: Monday, April 14, 2025

End Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Registration Fee: $475.00 (NO HST)

Learn more here.

Shared on behalf of Occupational Health and Safety & Infection Prevention and Control

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Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection that was formally considered eliminated in in Canada in 1998. The rising numbers of measles cases in Ontario has been attributed to declining vaccination rates as well as international travel. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles. Immunity after two dose of the measles vaccine is 99%.

Upon hire at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Occupational Health and Safety conducts a comprehensive health, review including ensuring that employees are fully immunized from vaccine preventable illnesses. For Measles, all health care workers are required to have documented proof of either 2 doses of a measles containing vaccine (i.e MMR) or serological proof of immunity. If your vaccine history was unknown, titer levels are drawn and vaccination is offered to those without evidence of immunity.

Revaccination for Measles is not required as immunity after two doses of the Measles vaccine or immunity after infection is lifelong therefore no booster is required.

OHS had sent out notices to those staff who have outstanding pieces of their immunization history. If you have received a notice, please respond promptly to ensure compliance.

Please ensure that your N-95 fit test is up to date and review policy IPC-1-18 Applying Routine Practice and Additional Precautions and IPC-2-12 Effective Hand Hygiene.

Please call Occupational Health and Safety at extension 6212 or Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094 for more information.

Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control

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Please be advised that the Influenza outbreak on 2B unit is over.

Thank you to everyone who assisted in ending hospital acquired transmission on this unit.  As always, our number one priority is the safety of patients and their families, staff and visitors.

The department of Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to keep applying the routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, equipment cleaning, and the appropriate admission screening of all patients. 

Please set an example for staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence.   

For more information, contact: Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.

All staff scheduled by Staffing Office, we have made it easier than ever to stay on top of your schedule! Here’s how it works:

• For shifts scheduled 8-49 days away, you will receive a handy email newsletter with all the details.
• For shifts coming up in 1-7 days, you will get notifications based on your preferred settings.

Reminder: Staff will only be notified once about any new upcoming shifts.

The best part? You are in control! The responsibility is on you to manage your shift bids. 

Feel free to check the Andgo calendar anytime, from anywhere, and bid on shifts at your convenience. It’s all about flexibility and making your schedule work for you.

Want more tips and tricks? Head to the Staffing Office Intranet Page for full details!