Strengthening paediatric care in collaboration with Indigenous communities

In 2024–2025, our commitment to advancing paediatric health in collaboration with Indigenous communities has reached new heights. Through trusted partnerships, our teams have fostered equity, cultural humility and meaningful two-way learning that extends care beyond our walls.

Nurturing the Seed: Strengthening early mental health through trusted partnerships

The Nurturing the Seed (NTS) initiative—led by the Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion (IEMHP) team—combines evidence-based science with the lived experience and perspectives of Indigenous way of being to strengthen early childhood mental health. Guided by local partners in over a dozen communities across Canada and co-created with Elders, NTS uses developmental screening and culturally relevant, relationship-based planning to support optimal development in young children.

This year’s outreach included site visits from Kirkland Lake and New Liskeard "Keepers of the Circle" in the Timiskaming District to Aamjiwnaang Simcoe and La Ronge, where the NTS model was adapted to reflect each community’s strengths and needs, reflecting local knowledge and values. Communities now lead the delivery of NTS independently, creating best practices that inspire others. By treating data respectfully, acknowledging the ownership of data by each community and asking permission to share the learnings with others, we foster trust and accountability—ensuring that families, caregivers and practitioners shape ongoing improvements.

Northern Outreach: Expanding paediatric expertise in northern communities

Recognizing a need for enhanced paediatric knowledge among nurses in northern communities, Indigenous Service Practice Leads partnered with SickKids’ Learning Institute to bridge the gap. This collaboration began at a Timmins conference, where community leaders identified high turnover and limited paediatric experience as key challenges.

The result: a dynamic virtual Learning Series, delivering ten monthly sessions on essential paediatric topics—from comprehensive health history and developmental assessments to paediatric emergencies and common conditions. The curriculum evolved through ongoing feedback and featured co-facilitated sessions with Indigenous Service educators, ensuring content remains relevant and engaging.

By tailoring education to local contexts, integrating visual cues and paediatric-ready equipment, the program builds trust and readiness. More than knowledge sharing, Northern Outreach celebrates the resilience of northern practitioners and the power of mutual learning. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for a robust community of practice and future mentorship in paediatric care.