Queensway Carleton Hospital and Foundation acknowledges that we are situated on the unceded and unsurrendered traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg (Ah-nish-in-a-bek) Algonquin Nation, the traditional guardians of the Ottawa River Watershed and its surroundings. This acknowledgment connects us deeply to the land and its people, including the communities we serve in Ottawa West Four Rivers, Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, and rural and northern regions, including the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Anishinaabeg Algonquin, the enduring custodians of this land, whose presence has enriched and sustained this land since time immemorial.
We are committed to actively supporting the needs, priorities, and voices of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities through respectful collaboration, honouring their traditional knowledge, ceremonies, culture, and healing practices. Recognizing historical and ongoing systemic inequities in healthcare that disproportionately affect these communities, we are dedicated to improving Indigenous health determinants, upholding rights and self-determination, and promoting cultural safety and humility. Our teams are actively engaged in training and education on truth and reconciliation and cultural safety, aiming to foster inclusivity and cultivate meaningful, lasting relationships with Indigenous communities through honest and courageous conversations.
We are honoured to have a custom work of art created by Métis artist, Colleen Gray, representing the deep connection between the land and the healing power it has for our community. The painting will be on display in the QCH Foundation office. The name of the piece is ‘Community Spirit – Ginawaydaganuc’ – Ginawadaganuc in the Algonquin language means ‘we are all connected/related.’
About the Work of Art
Wolves are community animals dependent on the health and cooperation of the pack to thrive. It is because of their attention to the health of the pack that they are able to grow strong and live in a good way. Birds often work in conjunction with wolves, helping them to find food and calling out when they’ve discovered something interesting.
Birds symbolize freedom and the ability to rise above.
A full Grandmother Moon watches over us, equally sharing her gentle light with love and generosity for all the people.
The Laurentian Mountain range backs the mighty Ottawa River as we live and grow as a community of caring individuals coming together to support one another so we can all grow strong and live in a good way.