BMO Financial Group (BMO) and the Hewitt Foundation are partnering to maintain social pediatric services in Northern Quebec Indigenous communities. Their respective donations of $3 million and $2 million send a strong message to the business community about the importance of supporting the Montreal Children’s Hospital in changing the face of pediatrics in Quebec through innovative ways of healing. The Minnie’s Hope Social Pediatric Centre was established more than five years ago by and for members of the Cree community of Whapmagoostui and the Inuit community of Kuujjuaraapik, both located on the southern shore of Hudson’s Bay. In partnership with the Children’s and others, Minnie’s Hope provides pediatric care and evaluations as well as therapeutic, social and educational programs developed — with the involvement of community members including elders — to reflect the values and knowledge of both communities.
This unique partnership approach that focuses on combining their traditions, values and knowledge and dedicated experts has made Minnie’s Hope a Canadian leader in its field. The $5M in new funding will support the construction of a larger centre to accommodate the growing communities with more administrative, medical and paramedical staff and new services and programs—all offered in a way to ensure cultural safety. “This project was initiated, developed and managed by Indigenous communities.