Montreal Clinic Fosters Trust for Indigenous Women's Health

In Montreal, a novel health-care initiative is actively redefining how trust is built between providers and patients, particularly focusing on Indigenous women. 'Her circle of care' is a clinic dedicated to offering gynecological services in a setting designed for safety and receptiveness.

This approach stems from medical residents' firsthand observations of barriers Indigenous women encounter within the healthcare system. The clinic's core philosophy is that doctor's appointments should not be associated with fear or trauma, but rather with a collaborative and trusting relationship.

Appointments at 'her circle of care' are intentionally not time-bound, emphasizing the importance of unhurried conversations to foster trust. This patient-centered model acknowledges the impact of systemic racism and past harms, striving to create common ground for finding solutions.

Located at Saralikitaaq, a community social pediatric centre in Little Burgundy, the clinic's environment is thoughtfully curated to ensure accessibility and familiarity for its patients. Beyond standard screenings, the initiative empowers Indigenous women by supporting their autonomy over their health and bodies.

Launched in January, the program has successfully conducted four clinics, attending to around 30 women. It represents a significant step towards more equitable and trauma-informed healthcare for Indigenous women in the region.