Indigenous Patient Navigator Marks Two Years of Advocacy
2025-05-24
At Cornwall Community Hospital
(CCH), one of the strategic pillars in our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan is a focus
on People. It’s a commitment not only to our staff, patients, clients, and
families but to inclusive, respectful, equitable, and culturally safe care for
everyone we serve.
One of the most impactful ways
we’re bringing this pillar to life is through the work of our Indigenous
Patient Navigator, April White, who has now been with us for two years since we
partnered with Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) Department of Health to create
her position.
Many of our Indigenous patients
come from Akwesasne as CCH is the closest hospital to their community. These
patients often face unique cultural needs and challenges navigating the
healthcare system, which for many can be intimidating and overwhelming. Many may
also carry a fear and distrust of healthcare providers, stemming from an
unfortunate history of racial stereotyping and negative experiences across
Canada. This is where April steps in, acting as a bridge between patients and
the care they need.
A proud member of the Akwesasne
community, April brings nearly 40 years of experience as a nurse, having held
clinical and management roles at CCH, The Ottawa Hospital, and the MCA’s Department
of Health. Her deep ties to the community give her a strong understanding of
the cultural and personal needs of local Indigenous patients.
Her role, she explains, is
primarily one of advocacy: supporting Indigenous patients by ensuring their
voices are heard and their needs are met throughout their care journey. This
may include everything from coordinating care and discharge planning to helping
patients access culturally relevant services both inside and outside the
hospital. Whether it’s arranging home care, sourcing medical equipment,
attending appointments, or helping patients navigate the healthcare system, her
work ensures the patient’s needs are truly understood and met and care plans
are culturally informed.
April begins each day by identifying
Indigenous patients who may need support. Using both hospital lists and her
community knowledge, she works to ensure no one falls through the cracks. “I
cross-reference names, doctors, and even community connections. It’s about not
missing someone who might need help.”
April is also instrumental in
assisting Indigenous patients from Akwesasne who hold Quebec health cards in
navigating Ontario's healthcare system. The Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne spans
Ontario, Quebec, and New York, therefore CCH sees many Akwesasne patients who
hold Quebec health cards, which could present administrative challenges such as
billing issues and gaps in coverage. April collaborates with hospital
departments, other healthcare providers and community services to ensure these
patients receive the care they need without any gaps or delays.
“People don’t always realize how
complex it can be,” she says. “Something as simple as arranging a Lifeline or
Meals on Wheels isn’t the same for someone living on reserve.”
Perhaps more importantly, she
also provides something less tangible but just as important: trust. “When
community members see me, they know who I am, and they’re more likely to open
up,” says April. “They tell me the truth, not just what they think the doctor
wants to hear. That kind of honesty is what helps prevent gaps in care.”
April acknowledges the challenges
Indigenous patients often face when accessing care, including discrimination
and stereotyping. “There’s still fear,” she explains, referencing the tragic
death of Joyce Echaquan in a Quebec hospital in 2020 as well as other similar
incidents. As April explains, many Indigenous patients live with chronic
conditions that require ongoing care and hospital visits, making trust in the
system essential.
The hospital has made significant
progress, though, as April notes, there is always more work to be done. “It's
baby steps,” she says. “But the awareness is growing, and there’s more
openness. There’s now a smudging policy. We just need to keep building on that
momentum.”
A key next step is enhancing
cultural competency training for staff, aligning with the Calls to Action from
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, particularly those addressing
anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare. Recently, the hospital’s management team
completed comprehensive Indigenous cultural competency training, and the plan
is to ensure that this continues to spread across the entire organization.
April has also become a key member
of staff orientation. Every month, she speaks to new employees about her role,
introduces them to the community of Akwesasne, and helps them understand how
geography, history, and culture shape the care experience and needs for
Indigenous patients.
“It’s not about checking a box,”
she says. “It’s about real understanding. That’s how we make change.”