This project explores the development of a Traditional Medicine Garden within the pharmacy department of the new Innisfil hospital expansion. The goal is to integrate Indigenous Medicines into the hospital, providing access to traditional medicine. This initiative supports connecting to culturally safe care for Indigenous patients while looking at a collaborative approach between Indigenous knowledge keepers/Healers and health care providers. The project will outline the vision, design, implementation steps, and expected impact of such a space in a health care setting.

Expected Outcomes & Deliverables:

Research report – What would be best practice for integrating this into healthcare. 

Proposed design and implementation plan – space requirements, specific space for medicinal plants. 

Impact Assessment - How this initiative could enhance Indigenous patient care, allyship, working through a collaborative approach and advancing hospital policies.

Presentation – to receive leadership endorsement. 

Student Involvement:

Conduct literature reviews on Traditional Medicine in health care, Indigenous knowledge keepers, Traditional Healers (IPS team can support with connection here), and pharmacy staff through interviews or discussions. Develop an implementation plan for the garden. Provide potential barriers and risk assessment to integrating this initiative into a hospital setting. Work may be remote! 

Resources Required (if any):

Possible site visit to a similar initiative or green space for inspiration. Research materials on medicinal plants  and their health benefits. 

Support Offered to Students (i.e. weekly meetings, mentorship, etc.):

Weekly meetings with students and Indigenous Patient Services, access to traditional knowledge keepers who specialize in this work and are actively providing this treatment. 

Students will have the chance to be part of a unique project, helping to create something completely new. This experience will help them apply their skills learned in the real world setting and explore innovation in health care.