This fall, a revolutionary new Indigenous-led COVID-19 Assessment and Testing Centre opened in Toronto, ON. The project features an entirely Indigenous space and philosophy, and was informed through consultation and insight from the urban Indigenous community.
Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong (“Place of Healthy Breathing”), is the first community-led site of its kind. The facility delivers culturally sensitive supports and services to the community, while bridging the gap in access to healthcare often experienced by Indigenous peoples.
The site offers Indigenous clients a suite of services including integrated COVID-19 testing, case management, contact tracing, outreach supports, and referrals.
The Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong testing facility was launched in connection with the We Count COVID-19 Indigenous Database Research Project, which tracks the spread and impact of COVID-19 in Indigenous communities drawing from data collected at the Testing Centre. It also ensures that Indigenous clients who receive supports and services are respected, empowered, and always in control of their personal information.
Toronto and York Region Métis Council Senator Suzanne Brunelle, who serves on the We Count COVID-19 reference group, encourages Métis to take advantage of the Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong testing and contact tracing services.
The project also includes notable Métis leads Dr. Janet Smylie, a MNO Citizen and principal investigator of We Count COVID-19 and director of Well Living House, an Indigenous health research unit at St. Michael’s Hospital; and Cheryllee Bourgeois, the Registered Métis Midwife at Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto.
Bourgeois describes the significance of this project as profound, because it is a valuable combination of service and research that is entirely community-led:
“All systems are informed by the urban Indigenous community and designed specifically for that community – and the outreach and supports are based on Indigenous kinship systems of inclusion, care and self-determination.”
The Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong COVID-19 Testing Centre is the product of a partnership between Na-Me-Res, Well Living House, Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto, and the Women’s College Hospital Centre for Wise Practices In Indigenous Health. Funding was provided by Indigenous Services Canada, Government of Canada.
Those looking to book an appointment can call 416-654-4184 or email appointments@healthybreathing.com
