with Jane Curtis, CEO

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, I want to take a moment to reaffirm our organization’s commitment to truth and reconciliation and share some of the ways we are learning.

Etuaptmumk – Two-Eyed Seeing is a guiding principle established by Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall in 2004. Elder Albert defines Two-Eyed Seeing as learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous Knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledge and ways of knowing…and learning to use both eyes together, for the benefit of all.

Southern Health-Santé Sud is taking steps to integrate the two-eyed seeing approach to elevate all voices and perspectives as equal, and advocate for the recognition and respect for diverse perspectives. When we see from multiple perspectives, knowledges, and ways of being and doing we can work towards co-creating solutions to address our collective challenges.
Our organization is deeply committed to supporting truth and reconciliation efforts. This commitment is not just a statement but an ongoing journey of learning, reflection, and action. We recognize that meaningful reconciliation requires more than acknowledgment; it demands continuous, deliberate efforts to foster understanding, respect, and partnership with Indigenous peoples.

On September 30th, we encourage all staff to participate in activities that honor this important day. Here are some ways you can engage:

1. Attend Virtual Events: Many organizations and communities host virtual events and ceremonies. Participating in these events is a meaningful way to learn and reflect.
2. Wear Orange: Orange Shirt Day symbolizes our collective commitment to reconciliation. Wearing orange is a visible gesture of solidarity and remembrance.
3. Educational Resources: Take time to read books, watch documentaries, or explore resources that provide insight into the experiences and histories of Indigenous peoples.
4. Support Indigenous Artisans: Consider purchasing items from Indigenous artists or businesses. This not only supports their work but also helps to honor and preserve Indigenous cultures.
5. Reflection and Dialogue: Use this day to reflect on your own learning journey and engage in conversations with colleagues about the importance of reconciliation. Open dialogue helps to deepen our collective understanding and commitment.
6. Community Involvement: If possible, volunteer with local Indigenous organizations or participate in community events. Your involvement can make a meaningful difference.

Our commitment to truth and reconciliation is an ongoing process, and every action, big or small, contributes to the broader journey of healing and understanding. We encourage each of you to embrace this day with sincerity and openness, and to continue supporting these efforts throughout the year.

Thank you for your dedication to this important cause. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

Healthy Living, in collaboration with communities throughout Southern Health-Santé Sud, hosted our inaugural virtual Share & Learn Conference on May 9th, titled ‘Communities Making a Difference: Learning from Each Other’.

The goal was to showcase the incredible work that community groups are doing to improve the health and well-being of their residents, and to broaden knowledge around health promotion and health equity. Projects that received Healthy Together Now funding through Southern Health-Santé Sud were invited to share their stories with other community groups and organizations to inspire ideas, share successes and other valuable learnings.

The conference began with a welcome from CEO Jane Curtis, followed by an opening prayer by Darryl Taylor, Knowledge Holder. The keynote by Dr. Chúk Odenigbo outlined the diverse ways communities have historically understood and perceived health while unpacking the impact of colonization on unjust health differences.

The highlight of the conference was hearing from five featured community presenters sharing the impact of their projects on health equity in their communities. Stories that were highlighted at this Conference were among hundreds funded across Southern Health-Santé Sud. Participants had a chance to engage with presenters in small breakout groups which provided an opportunity for Q&A, exchanging ideas and problem solving together. We are grateful to work alongside community leaders who are dedicated to making their communities healthy and inclusive places.

Hosting the conference virtually allowed for accessible attendance across Southern Health-Santé Sud. Survey results showed 100% of respondents rated the conference good or excellent. Comments included that people enjoyed “nuggets of insight and learning points” shared by presenters, and Dr. Chúk Odenigbo said “there was good energy in the virtual space”.

Thank you to all our presenters and participants who made this possible!

Submitted by: Stephanie Verhoeven, Director, Health Services – Public Health-Healthy Living & Primary Care

Submitted by: Stephanie Verhoeven, Director, Health Services – Public Health-Healthy Living & Primary Care

Doris Penner, Resource Coordinator – Home Care for 25 years.

What Doris likes most about her job

• Love to help people
• The interaction with the seniors
• Challenges that come up

What truly matters to Doris in the work she does each day

• To be supported by my manager by being heard when I have concerns

We want to hear from you!
Please take a moment to share What Matters to You by completing an online form.

Veronica Reimer, a Midwife with the Southern Health-Santé Sud Midwifery program received a Teaching Excellence award at the pinning ceremony for the University of Manitoba midwifery graduates. The recipient of this award was chosen by the graduating class of midwifery students. The students commented that “She is not only a wonderful, caring midwife but also dedicated to furthering the profession by investing her time and energy into students. She is made to mentor people.”

One of the students Veronica mentored, Laura Warkentine, was valedictorian of this year’s University of Manitoba midwifery graduating class. She recently joined the Midwifery team in Steinbach as a Registered Midwife.

Congratulations to both Veronica and Laura. We are fortunate to have them both a part of a skilled group of Midwives serving this region.

Submitted by: Darlene Anderson, Manager, Health Services – Primary Care

This year the Staff Wellness Committee decided to put on an event this year to thank the summer students from all departments at the facilities. Although there is a yearly staff appreciation event, often the students are gone back to school by that time. Many staff got together on their lunch break for a Taco in a Bag served by the committee.

Submitted by: Jayde Jonasson, Activity Recreation Manager Foyer Notre-Dame

Let yourself be captivated this Fall! | Laissez-vous emballer cet automne!

Use these free apps – right at your fingertips! | Utilisez ces applis gratuites – disponibles du bout des doigts!

Rosetta Stone (see details)

Are there upcoming events ‘en français’ in your community? We would love to hear from you!

Y a-t-il un événement en français à venir dans votre communauté? Nous aimerions avoir de vos nouvelles!

Submitted by: FLS Unit / Unité SLF
For more info. contact: or / ou 204-424-6042

For many health care workers, the pursuit of a health career was inspired by a desire to follow in the footsteps of a family member or loved one. In one Manitoba community, a trio of health care staff have gone one step further, inspiring not only a career choice, but a workplace.
Jacqueline Middleton, her daughter Kim Rheault and granddaughter Tessa Helliwell all work at the same community hospital located in St. Claude, Manitoba.

“It is pretty special to share a workplace with my daughter and granddaughter,” said Middleton, who started at the facility in 1984 in a laundry/housekeeping role before becoming a health care aide, a role she holds to this day.

“Back when I became a health care aide, the course was $20 and taught by the director of nursing. Much of what I’ve learned has come from working on the floor over many years of experience.”

Middleton’s daughter, Kim Rheault, remembers being encouraged by her mother to consider working in health care.

Rheault began work as a health care aide in 2008 and eventually trained as a nurse, working at the St. Claude Health Centre, where her mom was also employed.
“When I have the chance to work with my mom, I do look to her for advice. She has been here for more than 35 years and the patients all trust her, she is the reason I started working in health care,” said Rheault.

“Being a health care aide was a good fit. I very much enjoy taking care of people and providing comfort. It also was a reliable job, and I was able to pick up extra shifts to support myself and my daughter,” she added.

That daughter, Rheault’s eldest child, Tessa Helliwell, is now also working at the St. Claude Health Centre, alongside her mom and grandmother.

“I decided to go into health care because there are so many opportunities and you can learn a lot of new things. I enjoy helping others,” said Helliwell, a health care aide. “It doesn’t happen all the time, but when we’re all scheduled, the shifts feel a bit different, a bit more easygoing.”

“Working with family is pretty special.”

Submitted by: Shared Health Manitoba