Sacred space will support First Nations and Indigenous patients, families, community and staff to gather, participate in ceremonies, community programming, and mark days of significance throughout the year

Peterborough, ON – Peterborough Regional Health Centre is excited to announce the opening of a new First Nations/Indigenous Ceremonial Fire space at the hospital.

A ceremonial fire is a sacred place that brings people together and creates a space to connect with the land, First Nations and Indigenous ancestors, and one another. Located in the courtyard adjacent to the hospital’s A2 inpatient unit, the space will be available for use by First Nations/Indigenous patients and families, staff and community members, with guidance and support from PRHC’s Indigenous Program Navigator, Courtney Taylor.

“Sacred fire holds deep significance for many First Nations and Indigenous communities. It is a place for prayer, reflection, ceremony, healing, and connection,” said Taylor. “The creation of this space has already brought many groups together. Our hope is that this space now serves as a reminder of the importance of balance, respect, and community while also offering a place at the hospital where teachings may be shared, medicines may be offered, and people can gather during times of celebration, healing, grief and transition.”

Donavan Taylor and Devon Jacobs, Sacred Fire Keepers from Curve Lake First Nation, were on hand to light, maintain, and watch over the fire, and to provide teachings as part of the opening ceremony.

“PRHC is committed to creating an environment where First Nations/Indigenous traditions, teachings, healing practices, and cultural connections are respected, welcomed, and supported,” said Noel Bennett, interim President & CEO. “At PRHC, we recognize that reconciliation is not a destination but an ongoing journey.

“Meaningful action requires listening, learning, building relationships, and creating spaces where First Nations/Indigenous patients, families, staff, physicians, and community members feel seen, respected, and supported. This Ceremonial Fire space is one step on that journey, and we are grateful for everyone whose guidance, wisdom, and collaboration has made this space possible. May it serve as a source of comfort, healing, reflection, and connection for generations to come,” added Bennett.

The Ceremonial Fire space has been made possible in partnership with First Nations, Urban Indigenous and other community partners, including generous community donors through the PRHC Foundation.

“It was an honour to be amongst those gathered to celebrate the opening of the new Ceremonial Fire space at PRHC,” said Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “The PRHC Foundation and community donors are grateful for the opportunity to fund the creation of this space. Thank you to First Nations, Indigenous Cultural Teams, other external partners and PRHC for the collaboration that made this possible.”

Learn more about PRHC’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Reconciliation framework here: https://www.prhc.on.ca/about-us/equity-and-reconciliation/

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  • With 500 inpatient beds, PRHC is a regional acute care referral centre serving one of the fastestgrowing and aging populations in Canada across a broad urban and rural geography extending north to Haliburton, south to Northumberland, east to Quinte, and west to Durham.
  • Our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan highlights PRHC’s organizational values and our commitment to Equity & Reconciliation. Learn more about PRHC’s Equity & Reconciliation Framework here.
  • PRHC is working to meet the growing demand for care in our community and region. With the support of generous donors through the PRHC Foundation, we aim to empower world-class care, closer to home; fuel innovation and bring new, life-saving services to our region; attract the best and brightest healthcare professionals; and find solutions to critical hospital challenges. Find out more about the Campaign for PRHC here: prhcfoundation.ca/an-update-on-the-progress-of-the-70-millioncampaign-for-prhc/ 

For more information: Michelene Ough | Director, Communications & Public Affairs | mough@prhc.on.ca