Indigenous Healing Centre calls us to walk together with open hearts
At the new front entrance ribbon cutting on January 28, 2026, Elder Nora McAdam spoke the name of the new Indigenous Healing Centre for the first time: Kikâwînaw wîki, meaning Our Mother’s Home.
Created in collaboration with First Nations and Métis Health and guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers from across Saskatchewan, this space reflects a shared commitment to cultural safety, dignity and holistic healing.
With the guidance of the Sanders family — who helped initiate the first Ceremonial Room at the Hospital — a pipe ceremony transitioned the Healing Centre from its former fifth-floor location into this new, purpose-built space. During that ceremony, women pipe carriers received the name from the ancestors.
The meaning of Kikâwînaw wîki
Kikâwînaw wîki — pronounced kee-KAH-wee-naw WEE-kee — reminds us that we are all children of our Great Mother.
As Elder Nora shared, Mother Earth holds us, nourishes us and provides everything we need to live, from our homes, food and clothing to our strength.
“No matter where we come from or what nationality we are, we are one family here on this Earth,” writes Elder Nora. “She is our Mother, and we are connected as one human family. We are united to love one another, to care for one another, and to walk together with respect and understanding.”
Elder Nora says the name encourages us to move forward together with open hearts, gratitude and kindness for all life. It reminds us of our responsibility to care for one another and for the Earth that sustains us.
In a Hospital rooted in the legacy of the Grey Nuns — women who believed deeply in dignity, service and compassionate presence — this teaching resonates.
Thoughtfully designed
Kikâwînaw wîki has been thoughtfully designed to support Indigenous patients, families and community members.
The Centre includes dedicated space for the First Nations and Métis Health team, allowing Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Cultural Support Workers to gather and offer ceremony, navigation and cultural care on site. Ventilation supports smudging with ease, honouring spiritual practices within a clinical setting.
Indigenous design elements are woven throughout the space. Star blanket–inspired flooring reflects protection, generosity and honour. The round stone structure of the walls speaks to connection, continuity and the circle of life. The space is grounded, with the walls extending into the earth below, and the floor filled with rocks.
The room is located near essential supplies to support Elders and has been equipped with thoughtful features, including adjustable light-control blinds, an intercom and additional safety measures, ensuring the space is both welcoming and practical.
Indigenous Art and Living Teachings
Kikâwînaw wîki also introduces a new Indigenous Art Program grounded in the Seven Sacred Teachings. An art railing system has been installed to welcome works selected through ceremony and cultural process.
Through calls for proposal, artists from across the province will have opportunities to share their work. As each piece arrives, Elders will offer teachings, allowing the space to remain living and evolving, shaped by culture, story and community.
Walking forward together
The opening of Kikâwînaw wîki strengthens the commitment of the Hospital & Foundation to culturally safe care and to reconciliation in action. It reflects partnership with First Nations and Métis Health, with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, with families and with the broader community.
Most importantly, it reflects the people who visit the Hospital every day.
It’s for patients who need spiritual support alongside medical treatment. For families seeking comfort and ceremony. For Elders offering wisdom. For staff learning, listening and growing.
Together, we are creating a community of health, hope, and compassion for all.
Kikâwînaw wîki — Our Mother’s Home — stands as a reminder that healing is not only clinical. It is relational, spiritual and communal.