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Walking Together:
Indigenous Health and Wellness Initiatives

Together we are building a system that recognizes the importance and value of Indigenous health practices being offered and available for Indigenous Peoples.

We know this will take time - building relationships and trust, and demonstrating meaningful, honourable, and respectful approaches. We are committed to engaging with Indigenous Peoples and community members in a good way, using Indigenous teachings and tools, and building stronger partnerships between FLA OHT members and Indigenous Peoples: patients, families, health workers, and volunteers.

Learn more about this commitment in our strategic plan.

FLA OHT Land Acknowledgement

With deep respect and humility, we acknowledge the FLA OHT is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee Huron-Wendat Nations, as well as those rural and urban Indigenous community members including Métis, Inuit, and other First Peoples from across the Turtle Island.

We stand upon land that carries the footsteps of Peoples of Indigenous ancestry who have been here for thousands of years. We have an opportunity to learn from each other, improve relationships and promote respect for the past, present and future. We are thankful to share, learn, work, play and grow on these lands as we work together to build a new health-care system that will be inclusive and equal for all.

This land acknowledgement - created with Indigenous community members - is meant for our website and documents, where appropriate.

Make your land acknowledgement personal!

The FLA OHT encourages a move away from reading the above written land acknowledgement at gatherings and towards giving a personal land acknowledgement, as a more meaningful way to honour Indigenous history, past and present. Best practice tips:

  • Keep it concise, heartfelt and authentic: Aim for brevity to maintain sincerity and avoid sounding rehearsed.
  • Stay flexible: Adapt your acknowledgement based on the context and audience. Allow it to evolve as your understanding deepens.
  • Practice and reflect: Practice delivering the acknowledgement with sincerity and respect. Reflect on its impact and adjust as needed.

Indigenous Primary Heath Care Council

Two Row Wampum

In this video, Rahswahérha Mark F. Green describes the importance of the Two Row Wampum as a foundation for the treaty relationship between Haudenosaunee peoples and European peoples in a presentation he gave to the FLA OHT Community Council. He discusses the importance of these treaties for reconciliation, especially in the area of health care.

Acknowledging and respecting Indigenous concepts of health and wellbeing

We are working together to build a system that recognizes and offers Indigenous health practices for Indigenous People.

We are committed to engaging with Indigenous Peoples and community members in a good way, using Indigenous teachings and tools in our work, incorporating the community’s suggestions and building stronger partnerships.

We respect these Indigenous concepts as we work together to create a health-care system that is inclusive and equal for all: 

Documents to deepen your understanding

FLA OHT Efforts Toward Advancing Indigenous Health Equity & Centering Indigenous Perspectives and Priorities

This report outlines the initiatives taken during 2020-2025 to advance Indigenous health priorities (May 2025, 14 pages). Download the Report.

Toolkit of Indigenous-focused approaches and evaluation indicators for health systems

A literature review based resource for FLA OHT work to consider Indigenous Peoples needs in a meaningful way (Nov. 2023, 235 pages). Download the Toolkit.

Indigenous Voices Report

Insights gathered from Indigenous community members are responded to with action and support from FLA OHT leadership (Feb. 2021, 11 pages). Download the Report.