Sudbury, ON, January 15, 2025 – The Maamwesying Ontario Health Team (MOHT) held a signing ceremony to commemorate a new Collaboration Agreement with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

As Ontario’s only Indigenous-led, Indigenous-focused Ontario Health Team, the MOHT celebrates this milestone, which promotes understanding by embracing Indigenous culture and practices, and improves access and awareness of Indigenous Health Services in the Northeast region.

Developing and maintaining Collaborative Partnerships is work that is core to the MOHT. As Collaborative Partners, the MOHT and Public Health Sudbury & Districts commit to advancing cultural safety training while exploring additional opportunities to enhance public health coordination and initiatives. Other MOHT Collaborative Partners include Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre, St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake, Health Sciences North, Algoma Public Health, Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services, Registered Nurses of Ontario (RNAO), North Shore Health Network, Lady Dunn Health Centre, and Chapleau Health Services.

During the Signing Ceremony, a Blanket Exercise was held to foster a deeper understanding of the history of Turtle Island, now known as Canada, and the enduring impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities. This interactive learning experience provided an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and a shared commitment to advancing reconciliation and improving Indigenous health care.

Representatives from both the MOHT and Public Health Sudbury & Districts were present to share their remarks:

“Our work today is grounded in the shared values of humility, trust, and respect, as well as a recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination in health care. Maamwesying, meaning “the act of working as one” in Ojibway, guides us as we join forces to enhance public health services rooted in cultural safety and respect. Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ vision of building healthier communities aligns with our own: “Working as One for the Wellbeing of All.” Together, we are forging a path toward equitable, culturally safe care that acknowledges the unique needs and strengths of Indigenous communities,” Carol Eshkakogan, Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc. Chief Executive Officer.

“It is a privilege for Public Health Sudbury & Districts to enter into a collaboration agreement with Maamwesying Ontario Health Team (MOHT). Public Health operates within the territories of many First Nations that are also MOHT partners, and we are excited to work together to strengthen our existing relationships and explore ways we can support self-determined aspirations in achieving positive health outcomes,” Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer for Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

Maamwesying Ontario Health Team (MOHT)

The Maamwesying Ontario Health Team (MOHT) was announced in October of 2022 to seamlessly integrate health care services for clients in the communities of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Serpent River First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, Thessalon First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, Michipicoten First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation, Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation, and Brunswick House First Nation, as well as the urban Indigenous population in Sault Ste. Marie.

Maamwesying means “the act of working as one” in Ojibway. The vision of our agency is “Maamwesying kina gweyahn N’minobimaadizing” which means “Working as One for the Wellbeing of All”.

The mission is to collaborate with our community partners to provide accessible, quality, culturally safe and holistic health care to support and enhance the wellness of individuals, families and communities.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is a progressive public health agency committed to improving health and reducing social inequities in health through evidence-informed practice.

Their vision is: healthier communities for all. Accomplishing this vision is based on the values of humility, trust and respect.

Their mission is to work with local communities to promote and protect health and to prevent disease for everyone.