Indigenous transition navigator position a first for CKHA

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance has shown its commitment to reconciliation and serving Indigenous patients with the creation of a new position.

Caroline Miller will serve as Indigenous transition navigator when officially taking on the role July 10, stated a CKHA media release.

“This position will support CKHA in its commitment to reconciliation by supporting the health-care navigation needs of Indigenous patients, and ensuring services are delivered in a culturally supportive way,” stated the release.

The role was developed with guidance from the community and local Indigenous partnerships, the CKHA said.

“I look forward to working with CKHA’s Indigenous patients and families to ensure high quality and culturally safe care for all,” Miller said in the release.

“Together we can build stronger connections with Indigenous patients and their communities, ultimately improving health-care outcomes for all,” Miller said.

The CKHA is pleased to welcome Miller as his first Indigenous transition navigator, said president and CEO Lori Marshall in the release.

Marshall said integrating this role into hospital operations and the community is a “significant step in working toward reconciliation.”

She added it also supports a major goal in the CKHA 2021-2024 strategic plan, which is “to exemplify a culture of empathy, compassion and inclusivity.”

Miller’s background includes serving as a teacher and education assistant at Walpole Island elementary school and cultural ambassador, mentor and advocate, the CKHA said.

Miller’s previous work experience also includes direct support for the residential and passport program at Community Living Chatham-Kent and student researcher and developer as well as educational assistant for the options program at St. Clair College.

Miller is of Indigenous and European decent and is Anishinaabe from Nipissing First Nation.

“Caroline brings a breadth of experience, education, training and knowledge to this role, making them the ideal candidate to take on this meaningful work,” said Naty Ramirez-Reyes, CKHA’s equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism executive lead.

“The Indigenous transition navigator role is an important addition to CKHA and will not only enhance our ability to provide culturally appropriate and safe care, but will also cultivate a deeper understanding of Indigenous traditions, values ​​and healing practices,” Ramirez-Reyes said.