RNAO and Ministry of Health visit Pikangikum First Nation: March 10, 2026

On March 10 RNAO and representatives from Ontario’s Ministry of Health (MOH) visited Pikangikum First Nation, an Indigenous-focused Best Practice Spotlight Organization® (BPSO®), to engage with community leaders and health staff.

RNAO representatives included President NP Lhamo Dolkar, President-Elect Sue LeBeau and CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun and members of the RNAO’s Indigenous health team. They were joined by MOH leaders, including Deputy Minister Deborah Richardson, Dr. Karima Velji, Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice and Assistant Deputy Minister and Sean Twyford, Assistant Deputy Minister.

They met with BPSO lead RN Donna Williams and champion RN Jade Stevens and focused on Pikangikum’s leadership in designing and delivering community-driven health services grounded in self-determination and cultural safety.

Participants discussed progress on key initiatives, including the integration of electronic medical records. The day’s activities also included a visit to the local school and nursing station, as well as discussions with the Chief and Council on health system transformation, achievements and ongoing challenges.

The visit concluded with a community gathering at the Health Hub and a visit to the newly opened Knowledge Keepers Elders’ Complex, which provides wraparound culturally responsive care for older community members and leaders.

See and share highlights of the visit on X. Watch our video below to learn more.