Ottawa invests $13 million in Indigenous health centre set for east Hamilton

Federal funding announcements aren't always as emotional as one held Monday morning in Hamilton's east end.

People teared up, hugged and expressed their appreciation for one another's work on a long-term Indigenous health and housing project. 

"To see a place that is representative of Indigenous people and run by Indigenous people is so empowering," said Alex Jacobs-Blum, vice chair of De dwa de dehs nye s Aboriginal Health Centre (DAHC), one of several Indigenous organizations which will be running the project. 

Members of Parliament Filomena Tassi, Chad Collins and Lisa Hepfner were in attendance to announce the government of Canada is investing $13 million in a health centre set to be built in Hamilton's McQueston neighbourhood, within the larger, new Biindigen Well-Being Centre. The complex will also include family, social and housing services. 

The funding will allow more people in Hamilton's urban Indigenous community access to "culturally sensitive" health care and wellness services "that they not only need, but they deserve," said Bryanne Smart, DAHC board chair.

"Let's not lose sight of the profound impact that this health facility will have on the lives of countless individuals and families," Smart said, her voice breaking. "That's why we're here."

Smart, a member of Six Nations of the Grand River from the Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan, was one of several community and political leaders to speak Monday in a room at the Biindigen Community Hub, currently housed within the former St. Helen Catholic Elementary School.

"Biindigen," which will also be part of the new centre's name, is an Anishinaabemowin word which means "welcome" or "come in." 

Eventually, the existing building will be demolished and replaced with three facilities, Jacobs-Blum told CBC Hamilton.

DAHC will run the new health centre, with a focus on preventative and primary care. In the fall, CBC Hamilton reported the plan is for Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg to provide daycare services and Ontario Aboriginal Services to build between 80 and 100 residential units.

The project previously received $10 million in funding from the province, DAHC said in 2022.

"I think it'll be a beautiful space where everybody can feel safe and welcome," said Jacobs-Blum, a Wolf Clan member of the Lower Caygua Nation of Six Nations.

There aren't many spaces like that in the city, Jacobs-Blum said. She lives in the east end and said growing up, she didn't know how to access them. Being part of this announcement made her feel emotional, she added.

Another goal is for the health centre to be a one-stop-shop where people can receive care for their physical, mental and emotional needs, said Jo-Ann Mattina, DAHC acting CEO.