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Kingston – On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the South East Health Unit (SEHU) will unveil new commissioned artwork by Indigenous artist Judi Montgomery at its Kingston office. Montgomery’s artwork, to be permanently displayed in the public health office foyer, reflects Indigenous perspectives on health, wellness, identity and belonging. It embodies SEHU’s commitment to health equity and the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous voices in health-care environments.
The SEHU Kingston office (formerly KFL&A Public Health) is one of six locations selected to participate in the Indigenous Spaces and Places in Health Care Initiative, a collaborative effort led by the Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Ontario Health Team (FLA OHT), Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC), and Three Things Consulting.
The goal is to recognize and celebrate Indigenous worldviews of health and well-being while fostering meaningful relationships with local Indigenous artists, Knowledge Keepers and Elders. These collaborations ensure that the artworks are not only visually powerful but grounded in teachings that honour Indigenous ways of knowing, being and healing.
“As a member of the Anishinabek nation and a successful writer and artist, I know that the stories of my Ancestors have and will keep us strong, give us courage and teach us about who we are,” says Montgomery.
This project reflects SEHU’s broader commitment to embed Indigenous cultural understanding and representation into the fabric of public health service delivery.
“Representation in health spaces matters,” says Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of SEHU. “The South East Health Unit is dedicated to integrating Indigenous perspectives in our work, in ways that influence our public health systems, relationships and environments across the region.”
In addition to creating visibility through these culturally relevant art installations, the Indigenous Spaces and Places in Health Care Initiative is advancing change across multiple pillars:
- Developing and strengthening policies that foster equitable, culturally safe care for Indigenous clients, staff and volunteers;
- Providing training, education, and wellness circles for health-care providers and leadership to deepen cultural understanding and build long-term capacity for change;
- Supporting reconciliation through relationship-building and knowledge-sharing with Indigenous communities across the region.
To learn more, visit the Indigenous Spaces and Places in Health Care Initiative web page.
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