International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we encourage everyone to play their part to actively work towards eliminating all forms of racial discrimination and hate. In a healthcare setting, equity-deserving ethnic and racial groups may experience discrimination and racism on both an individual and systemic level. These experiences can lead to a lack of trust or delay in seeking care. Healthcare staff from equity-deserving ethnic and racial groups can also face discrimination in their workplace from both healthcare users and colleagues.

Continuing to educate yourself is central to this work. As Hospital Staff, one potential step you can take is to sign up for our upcoming cultural safety training session titled, “Repairing the Sacred Circle: An Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Education Primer”.

As part of the work we are doing organizationally, we have formed our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Steering Committee. Our EDI Steering Committee aims to foster an organizational culture of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, through the creation and implementation of an action plan that will address racism, discrimination, phobias, biases, oppression, stigma, and other harmful situations that may lead to inequities throughout our Hospital.

The EDI Steering Committee aims to have member representation from various equity deserving groups, and this group may guide and advise upon other initiatives within the 2026 Strategic Plan from an EDI lens, as required.

Thank you for the work you do to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination and ensure equal access and opportunities for all.

Cultural Safety Through Storytelling with Isaac Murdoch (March 20)

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of cultural exploration and storytelling with renowned Indigenous artist and storyteller, Isaac Murdoch, on March 20 (1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.).

Isaac Murdoch, a passionate advocate for cultural safety, will share his knowledge and experiences through captivating stories steeped in generational wisdom. With his engaging storytelling style, Isaac will take you on a journey that delves into the rich traditions, values, and wisdom of Indigenous cultures. 

By attending this event, you will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural safety and its role in fostering respect, inclusivity, and understanding. Isaac’s stories will not only entertain and educate but also encourage meaningful conversations about cultural preservation and appreciation. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Indigenous culture and learn from one of its most respected storytellers.

Register now by emailing: TBRHSC.IndigenousCollaboration@tbh.net

Hosted by St. Joseph’s Care Group’s and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s joint Indigenous Health Education Committee

Shortage of Trays

Shared on behalf of Stephanie Rowan, Manager, Nutrition Food and Services


We are experiencing a shortage of trays within our cafeteria. We ask if any trays that are sitting in your staff/break rooms, if these can please be returned to our cafeteria.

Thank you for any help you can provide in having these returned.

International Women’s Day (March 8)

International Women’s Day is a day to recognize the incredible achievements of women and girls, while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality amongst all genders.  When we #InspireInclusion and work towards gender parity, we build healthy, strong, and vibrant communities that benefit us all. Today and every day, we celebrate the amazing women who work at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.

As healthcare workers on International Women’s Day, we can get involved by educating ourselves about women’s unique health needs. Did you know that even today, there is a gender gap in medical research, resulting in real-life implications for female patients?

Read more about the gender gap here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8812498/ and access Women’s Health Journal, a peer-reviewed international journal that specifically focuses on all aspects of women’s healthcare, through Sage Journals here: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/WHE

For more information about International Women’s Day, visit: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ 

Wake the Giant Draw Winners!

Congratulations to Wake the Giant draw winners, Hailey Hollinsworth and Dominique Morrison! Hailey and Dominique won Wake the Giant swag. There is still time to be entered into the grand prize draw of two tickets to the Wake the Giant Festival in September! Complete your training by March 31, to be entered!

Wake the Giant Indigenous Culture and Inclusivity Training provides an online learning experience to
support businesses, companies and organizations in creating more inclusive spaces, free of racism, where Indigenous Peoples are welcome.

The training module is available through Dual Code LMS.

Wake the Giant Training Booth (TODAY)

Come by the booth at the bottom of the main staircase on today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.!

Here you will have an opportunity to learn more about the Wake the Giant training and our Hospital’s Cultural Safety Educator role, as well as access training resources that are available through the Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion Portfolio.

Wake the Giant Indigenous Culture and Inclusivity Training provides an online learning experience to
support businesses, companies and organizations in creating more inclusive spaces, free of racism, where Indigenous Peoples are welcome.

The training module is available through Dual Code LMS.

By completing the training, you will be automatically entered into the draws. Draws for swag will be held in January and February. The ticket draw will take place in March. The deadline to complete this mandatory training is March 31, 2024.

Free Therapeutic Touch Available (March 8)

Free Therapeutic Touch® is available for all staff TOMORROW, Friday, March 8th in room 2007 (Volunteer Services).


Therapeutic Touch® is a holistic, evidence-based therapy that incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy to promote balance and wellbeing. Therapeutic Touch practitioners are educated to modify a person’s energy field when disease or illness obstructs or depletes their flow of energy. The Therapeutic Touch treatment restores order and harmony to the client’s field. Based on the belief that the body can heal itself, Therapeutic Touch is a method of helping a person to mobilize their own natural healing abilities. Research and clinical experience have shown its effectiveness in:

  • promoting a relaxation response
  • reducing anxiety & stress
  • managing pain
  • improving sleep
  • facilitating the body’s natural healing process
  • fostering a sense of well-being

Considerations: Therapeutic Touch is a process that is always individualized and the recipient remains fully clothed.

For more information please visit: therapeutictouchontario.org

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