HSJCC 2026 Annual Summit

Chef Rick Powless, an Indigenous chef, will be speaking about the connection between culture, food and well-being, and will also be preparing food for lunch that allows attendees to have an opportunity to experience and learn about this firsthand. Dr. Johanne McCarthy of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton will be touching upon the importance of access to cultural foods and practices within hospital settings. Dr. Liz Akiwenzie, a cultural educator, will be presenting the opening/closing remarks and providing Indigenous teachings from her own knowledge and experiences. Mike Lavelle, a Peer Support Worker from CMHA, will be joining the other speakers in a panel discussion to provide an additional unique perspective to the conversation. This event aims to spark deep and meaningful conversation about how even small gestures, such as incorporating culturally familiar or comforting items into service provision and menu options, can have a profound impact on someone’s recovery journey.