Nova Scotia Health’s Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigators focus on building relationships to ensure timely, culturally safe care

Nova Scotia Health’s Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigators (MIPN) are eager to get the word out about the services they offer to Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous patients in hospitals across the province.

Jennifer Crossman, MIPN for Northern Zone (Colchester-East Hants, Cumberland and Pictou areas) said, “I’d rather have patients referred, and me not be needed, than be needed and not have patients referred.” Her MIPN colleagues in the three other zones agree.

The provincial team is made up of Jennifer, Channelle Beaumont (Western Zone: Annapolis Valley, South Shore and Southwest Nova Scotia), Caitlin (Katie) Lameman (Eastern Zone: Cape Breton, Guysborough and Antigonish area), and Jacqueline (Jacquie) Potvin-Boucher and Stephanie Francis (Central Zone: Halifax area, Eastern Shore and West Hants). MIPNs are here to:

• Assist Mi’kmaq and Indigenous patients to overcome barriers to timely and culturally safe care.
• Support Mi’kmaq and Indigenous clients to bridge the gap between Indigenous clients and healthcare
professionals.
• Be a resource to Nova Scotia Health clinical staff to deliver time-sensitive and culturally safe care.
• Advocate for cultural and spiritual needs.
• Coordinate between Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq health systems and community partners.

Stephanie shared an example of a patient who was referred to the service through a nurse in Oncology. The nurse had voiced concerns that the patient seemed lost and overwhelmed with the process. Stephanie accompanied the patient to their first oncology appointment and followed up with them to ensure they were clear on what they needed to do next, and when. With support, the patient was able to meet all the requirements to start their chemotherapy treatments without delay. 

Jacquie said the most important part of the job is building relationships, with Indigenous patients and their families, and with staff and physicians. 

“So many Indigenous people don’t access health care because they don’t trust the system,” she said. “We have to help build that trust.”

Stephanie added, “Many hold off on getting health care until they have no other choice, due to lack of trust in the health system. At that point, they’ve left it so long that they’re at the end stage of whatever disease they have.”

The MIPN role, designed to support Mi’kmaq and Indigenous patients and families, is in itself an act of reconciliation, said Katie. She noted that, “We can’t fix things overnight, but we can do our best in individual cases” to bring about positive change. 

Channelle points to the critical importance of having these roles within the health care system. “Indigenous communities face unique challenges and barriers when accessing healthcare services, including cultural differences, historical trauma, and systemic discrimination,” she said. “We as Indigenous Patient Navigators are dedicated to serving the needs of our patients and understand it’s essential to ensure that they receive the culturally competent care that they deserve.”

Jennifer reinforced that MIPNs are there to help and support health care teams. She points to recent successes. 

“We’ve had some really good experiences getting people home from hospital, and good conversations and interactions with staff who truly respect the Mi’kmaw culture and want to learn,” she said.

Jennifer spoke to a recent instance of receiving a call from Aberdeen Hospital asking if Jennifer could come to the hospital and smudge for a patient. She was driving from Truro to New Glasgow, so took about 45 minutes to get there.

“When I got there, maintenance staff were already there. The smoke alarm was shut off. I literally got to walk in the room and smudge. I didn’t have to do anything else.” Jennifer said this reflects the commitment of teams to learn and grow in the interests of providing the best care possible to Indigenous patients and families.

Jacquie says the best part of the job is hearing from patients and families directly, that, “‘I’m happy you’re here.’ They’re thankful that changes are finally happening. They feel supported.” 

Patients can self-refer to the MIPN service, family members can reach out on their behalf, or staff and physicians can make the referral, by phone or email. The MIPNs noted they support any Indigenous patients, regardless of whether they are Mi’kmaq. Visit Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigator (MIPN) | Nova Scotia Health for contact information by zone.

Photo of (L to R) Channelle Beaumont, Stephanie Francis, Jennifer Crossman, Jacquie Potvin-Boucher and Caitlin (Katie) Lameman.