Norway House Cree Nation Health Centre of Excellence

Culminating 30 years of planning by Norway House Cree Nation, the Health Centre of Excellence marks the largest health infrastructure project funded by Indigenous Services Canada. The facility provides a full complement of community health and medical services to support timely access to care in the community and facilitate wellbeing from birth to end of life. Rooted in the vision of a holistic, culturally integrated wellness environment, the campus consists of the Health Centre, staff accommodations and a sweat lodge.

The Cultural Hall occupies the core of the Health Centre and connects the two primary wings. The acute care wing supports a renal dialysis expansion, diagnostic services, repatriation of birthing, emergency and inpatient care, along with shell space for a future surgical suite and day surgery program. Community health services, like maternal health and rehabilitation therapy, are organized in the east wing. Dedicated spaces support a coming together of western and traditional medicines to foster a sense of welcome for those receiving and providing care.

Multiple research trips and collaboration with project stakeholders led to innovative planning concepts, including accommodating the Nuka System of Care, designing for peak emergency capacity through shared space with primary care, and creating multi-functional family and support spaces. The Health Centre also initiates opportunities for learning as the training hub for the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing Physicians Education Program.

Integrated throughout the landscape and architectural design are references to the communities’ strong connection to its heritage, culture and the region’s land and watercourses. The campus initiates a next era of care and treatment at the local level to serve NHCN members, the town of Norway House and the surrounding region, with opportunities for a future inpatient expansion and a personal care home.