Mi'kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigators connect with community at summer games

For the first time, Nova Scotia Health's Mi'kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigator (MIPN) program was on the ground at the Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Summer Games, joining athletes, families and community members gathered in Sipekne'katik First Nation for a celebration of sport, culture and community.

The Games, revived in 2010, bring Mi'kmaw communities together through athletics while promoting cultural connection, youth engagement and community pride. For the MIPN team, participating in the event provided an opportunity to connect directly with community members, share information about available supports and raise awareness about the program's role within Nova Scotia Health.

The MIPN service supports Indigenous patients and families receiving care through Nova Scotia Health. Navigators help people overcome barriers to care, advocate for cultural and spiritual needs, support communication with healthcare providers and connect patients with Indigenous health systems and community partners.

Throughout the Games, MIPNs engaged with attendees, answered questions about available services and built relationships in an environment rooted in culture, wellness and connection.

"Being present at the Summer Games was about more than showing up. It was about being present with our people," said Channelle Beaumont. "As Indigenous Patient Navigators, we were grateful for the opportunity to connect, build relationships, listen and strengthen the trust that is at the heart of our work. We are proud to walk alongside our people both in healthcare and beyond."  

Participating in the Games reflects the program's commitment to meeting people where they are and strengthening awareness of culturally safe healthcare supports across Mi'kmaw communities. As one of the largest gatherings of Mi'kmaw athletes, families and supporters in Nova Scotia, the Summer Games provided a valuable opportunity for the MIPN program to introduce its services to new audiences and deepen connections with Indigenous communities across Mi'kma'ki. 

Photo of (1) MIPNs Jennifer Crossman, Channelle Beaumont, Jacquie Potvin-Boucher and Janice Basque and (2) MIPN Caitlin Lameman and her son, Leon Jr. (Leonjij).