Improving access to culturally safe care through Indigenous health and cultural supports

October 16, 2025.

Enhanced supports across KFL&A help bridge the gap between Western and Traditional medicine 

New Indigenous-led services are now available across Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFLA) and Hastings & Prince Edward (HPE) to help people and families access culturally safe care. Two FLA OHT partners—the Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team (IIPCT) and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (MBQ) Community Wellbeing Centre—offer services that primary care providers, other practitioners and even individuals and family members can refer patients to.

These services make it easier for Indigenous people to get help earlier, move through hospital discharge more smoothly, and receive care that honours culture, language, and tradition. Clients and families can access traditional practices, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and practical help with appointments, education, and system navigation—without having to retell difficult stories at every step. For providers, clear referral points and cultural-safety support help teams deliver better, safer care.

Anyone who identifies as Indigenous, Status or non-Status; on or off Territory—can access these supports. Learn how to connect below.

Indigenous Palliative Care Coordinator with IIPCT

Meet Shelley Loft, the Indigenous Palliative Care Coordinator with Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheri:yo IIPCT. A settler who has lived on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory for 18 years, Shelley brings 30 years of front-line experience as a Personal Support Worker in long-term and community care. She is trained as a death doula and in Indigenous palliative care (including PACE and Lakehead’s Continuing the Journey), is completing LEAP for Indigenous Communities, and is preparing to offer Advance Care Planning and Caregiving courses. Shelley pairs practical system know-how with cultural, spiritual, and emotional support for clients, families, and care teams.

“Helping my community and others is deeply rewarding. My goal is to continue building awareness around the importance of early detection and implementing a palliative approach—focusing on quality of life by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.” - Shelley Loft

What this service provides:

• Emotional, cultural, and spiritual support
• Grief and bereavement support
• Help navigating the health system
• Education for providers on culturally safe, palliative approaches
• Community programming related to Indigenous teachings and end-of-life care

Who is eligible:

• All IIPCT clients (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) and their families
• Anyone who identifies as Indigenous, on or off Territory, in Rural Frontenac/Lennox & Addington, Rural Hastings, Quinte, Kingston, Leeds, Lanark, and Grenville

Contact / How to refer:

• Shelley Loft, Indigenous Palliative Care Coordinator
• Phone: 343-478-0196 ext. 115
• Email: Shelley.loft@iipct.com

Health-care professionals are invited to call or email Shelley with client details and needs. Shelley will coordinate next steps.

Indigenous Health System Navigation with MBQ

Meet Brianne and Jenna, Indigenous Health Systems Navigators at the MBQ Community Wellbeing Centre in Tyendinaga. In this role, they support Indigenous people across KFL&A and Hastings and Prince Edward regions move through the health-care system with confidence. Navigators provide health education, emotional and spiritual support, advocacy, discharge planning, grief support, and help with appointments and follow-up. 

Jenna and Brianne are registered nurses who have each worked in hospital settings for 11+ years—Brianne specializing in obstetrics, and Jenna in the Emergency Department and leadership roles. They often meet clients in hospital, listen, gain consent, identify needs, and then walk alongside them to coordinate care so people feel safe and heard.

“We like to think of ourselves as nurses for the soul. Having both worked bedside nursing positions in the past, we know how little time there is to sit and talk with patients in depth. Being Indigenous Health System Navigators, our role focuses primarily on sitting with the client to answer any questions they may have, alleviate fears, and make sure they are feeling supported.  We are able to help provide a clearer understanding of their health issues, provide emotional support, ensure they are receiving safe and culturally competent care as well as assist with discharge planning and follow up appointment support.” - Brianne Brant

What this service provides:

• Access to traditional spaces, healing circles, ceremonies, songs, stories, and prayers
• Smudging; traditional medicines (such as tobacco, cedar, sage, sweetgrass)
• Health education, advocacy, appointment coordination; ongoing follow-up
• Connection to Elders, traditional healers, Medicine people and other helpers within Tyendinaga area and beyond

Who is eligible:

• Anyone who identifies as Indigenous in the KFLA and HPE regions

Contact / How to refer

• Brianne and Jenna, Indigenous Health Systems Navigator
• Community Wellbeing Centre, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
• Phone: 613-967-3603 ext. 214
• Fax (referrals): 1-855-554-1306
• Email: brianneb@mbq-tmt.org; jennak@mbq-tmt.org

Use the MBQ referral form (request by email), call 613-967-3603 ext. 214, fax 1-855-554-1306, or email brianneb@mbq-tmt.org. Self-referrals and referrals from family members, Power of Attorneys and health-care providers are welcome.

If you’re unsure which service to contact, reach out to either one; they will help connect your patient or client to the right support.

Image, left to right: Shelly, Brianne and Jenna