About Us
Delivering care rooted in kindness, respect, and unconditional love.
Who We are
Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre is a community-based, Indigenous-controlled primary care organization located in Fort Frances, Ontario, in the heart of Southern Treaty #3 territory. We combine western medicine with traditional Ojibwe healing philosophies to provide clinical, social, health promotion, and preventive services for Indigenous people across the Rainy River District.
Our Centre was formed through a unique partnership between area First Nations, the United Native Friendship Centre, and Sunset Country Metis — and has been serving our community for over 25 years.
Our Name
Our name, Gizhewaadiziwin, was given to us in a traditional naming ceremony. In Anishinaabemowin, it means the Ojibwe way of living with kindness, respect, and unconditional love — to be of an unconditionally kind nature. A healer is considered to carry this quality. It signifies being whole, calm, and patient, and we feel it reflects our commitment to putting clients first.
Gizhewaadiziwin was named by Leona McGinnis, who was given tobacco by Alfred Henderson of Mitaanjigamiing First Nation to do so.
Our Logo
Our logo came through a dream and was gifted to Gizhewaadiziwin in ceremony. It is displayed proudly throughout our building.
The Blue Lady in our logo is named Inaabandamokwe. It is believed that she protects communities, children, families, and the workers of this building. A male figure also appears in the logo, representing balance — a reminder that both are needed for wholeness.
Our Mission & Vision
Our vision is Mino Bimaadiziwin — the good life.
Our mission is to embody Gizhewaadiziwin by delivering safe, high-quality services rooted in Anishinaabeg Worldview. We are committed to wholistic care that integrates traditional knowledge with western healthcare, striving always for Indigenous health equity.a
The Grandfather Teachings
Our values are the Seven Grandfather Teachings. They are woven throughout our building, used to guide our meetings and daily work, and form the foundation of how we care for clients and each other.
We also recognize Boonendamowin — Forgiveness — as a powerful and transformative act that fosters healing and understanding.
Our History
Gizhewaadiziwin was one of ten original Aboriginal Health Access Centres established in Ontario in 1998. In 2023, we celebrated 25 years of providing healthcare programs and services to our community — a milestone marked with ceremony and reflection.
To honour this anniversary, those involved in the founding of Gizhewaadiziwin were reached out to, offered asema, and asked to share their stories of how the organization came to be. We are grateful to all who contributed to preserving that history.
Governance & Leadership
Board Of Directors
Gizhewaadiziwin is guided by a Board of Directors representing the communities we serve.
Elders Council
Our Elders Council provides cultural guidance and wisdom that shapes everything we do.
Gizhewaadiziwin is proud to be part of the Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHAC) network — a province-wide group of Indigenous-led health organizations committed to health equity and culturally grounded care.
Truth & Reconciliation
Gizhewaadiziwin is committed to the ongoing work of Truth and Reconciliation. We acknowledge the history and ongoing impacts of colonialism on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples, and we strive every day to provide care that supports healing — for individuals, families, and communities.