A natural helper: Katie Lameman, Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigator

Helping people comes naturally to Katie Lameman, Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigator (MIPN) in Nova Scotia Health’s Eastern Zone, which includes Cape Breton Island, Antigonish and Guysborough counties.

Her dedication to helping others is profoundly inspired by her mother, Donna Lameman, a retired teacher and education director. Donna exemplifies compassion and kindness, instilling values of support and assistance for those in need.

"It is a cultural value - assisting one another and prioritizing others," said Katie, a proud member of the Potlotek First Nation who is Mi'kmaq and Plains Cree. She recognizes that this upbringing has significantly shaped her identity and professional outlook. 

In her vital role, Katie ensures that Mi'kmaq and Indigenous patients receive the care they need. She is an essential link between these patients and Nova Scotia Health services. Committed to addressing the cultural and spiritual needs, she ensures that these needs are met during their clinical care. 

"I am dedicated to providing comprehensive care to Mi'kmaw and Indigenous patients using a two-eyed seeing approach," said Katie. "I believe that Mi'kmaw patients deserve support from someone who incorporates a trauma-informed perspective, respects their cultural history, and integrates traditional healing and cultural practices into their care plans." 

With her experiecnce as a community helper and her background in social work - including a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies from Cape Breton University, a Bachelor of Social Work from St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, and her current pursuit of a Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario - Katie brings significant expertise to her role. 

Removing barriers to care and fostering sensitivity and understanding of the health needs of First Nations people are priorities for Katie, aligning with the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. 

"Sensitivity to the needs of First Nations people accessing health services is crucial," she stated. "I am dedicated to bridging gaps, collaborating with healthcare staff, and ensuring a hospital experience where their needs are not only heard but also met." 

In her role, Katie is available to assist any Mi'kmaq or Indigenous person, patient, or First Nations community in Eastern Zone. Like Mi'kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigators in Nova Scotia Health's other zones, Katie helps patients understand their healthcare plans, improves communication, connects them with other services, provides access to traditional healing, and assists in developing comprehensive healthcare plans for transitioning from hospital to community. Throughout their stay in the hospital and their transition back into the community, she offers support to patients in a culturally safe and relevant manner. 

Katie aims to help healthcare providers gain a better understanding of the culture and values of First Nations people in order to close gaps and eliminate barriers to care. She provides essential support and guidance for Nova Scotia Health staff as they work to enhance the healthcare experience for Indigenous patients and their families. She also accepts referrals from any healthcare provider or physician in the area. 

Katie is the first Mi'kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigator for Eastern Zone. Recruitment is underway for a second navigator who will work alongside her to provide ongoing support to patients from the zone's six First Nation communities. 

When she's not working, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, golfing, walking her husky, and travelling. 

Katie looks forward to assisting both patients and healthcare providers. Any Mi'kmaq or Indigenous person, as well as First Nation community members or healthcare providers in Eastern Zone, can contact Katie at ezmipn@nshealth.ca or by phone/text at 902-574-0619.