Land Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge that the land which we are gathered on today is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek Nation; specifically, the Chippewa Tri – Council comprised of the Chippewas of Beausoleil, Rama and Georgina Island First Nations and more recently the Mississaugas of the Credit River First Nation.

Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements and is home to many Indigenous Nations from across Turtle Island, including the Inuit and the Métis. These treaties and other agreements, including the One Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, are agreements to peaceably share and care for the land and its resources. Other Indigenous Nations, Europeans, and newcomers were invited into this covenant in the spirit of respect, peace, and friendship.

Most of us have come here as settlers, immigrants, or newcomers in this generation or generations past.

We are all Treaty people.  Every day we are mindful of broken covenants, and we strive to make this right. We commit to collaborating based on the foundational assumption that Indigenous Peoples have the power, strength, and competency to develop culturally specific strategies for their communities.  We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous self-determination, history, and culture, and are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.

Hospice Orillia offers practical, emotional, and spiritual support to those in our community coping with advanced illness, death, and bereavement.

Our volunteers and staff serve clients and their loved ones of all ages and backgrounds with compassion and respect while honouring their choices and supporting them throughout their life journey. We believe that death is a part of life, a rite of passage. There is much that can be done to help individuals and their families face this time with dignity and quality in their lives. Each person is unique and their distinctness will be respected within an atmosphere of confidentiality.

Hospice Orillia’s services are provided free of charge to anyone living with a life-limiting illness and/or their friends, family members, and caregivers at the client’s home, wherever “home” is.

Caring for the caregiver is essential to ensure they can continue to provide support without compromising their own well-being. Caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and without proper self-care, caregivers may experience burnout. It’s important for caregivers to prioritize their own health by getting adequate rest, eating well, and engaging in regular physical activity. Setting boundaries and asking for help from family, friends, or professional services can lighten the load. Taking breaks, seeking emotional support, and maintaining social connections are crucial for mental health. Moreover, caregivers should stay organized and educated about the care they provide, which can reduce stress and increase confidence. Ultimately, by nurturing themselves, caregivers are better equipped to offer compassionate and effective care to others.