Published On: October 21, 2026
A St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) leader is helping make culturally respectful care more accessible to Indigenous patients and families.
For many Indigenous Peoples, smudging is an important cultural and spiritual practice that can provide comfort, connection, and a sense of peace, particularly during challenging times. While STEGH has long had a smudging kit available in its Multi-Faith Space, a question from a frontline nurse revealed an opportunity to improve access. When the nurse reviewing the hospital’s smudging policy raised the need to make supplies more accessible to staff in STEGH’s busy Emergency Department (ED), it prompted Melissa Ventura, ED Supervisor, to consider how a smudging kit could be readily available within the department. Recognizing that staff may not always be able to leave the ED to retrieve supplies, Melissa saw an opportunity to develop a more practical solution that would allow staff to respond promptly and respectfully when patients or families requested smudging.
As a member of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and the Turtle Clan, Melissa brings a personal connection to Indigenous traditions and cultural practices. She is also an active member of STEGH’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, contributing to efforts to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for patients, families and staff.
Drawing on her knowledge and lived experience, Melissa took the initiative to develop a dedicated smudging kit for the ED. Created in collaboration with members of the Indigenous community, the kit contains sage, a shell, a feather and other materials used in smudging. A smokeless option is also available for individuals with respiratory concerns.
The initiative grew beyond improving access to supplies. Recognizing that staff may be unfamiliar with smudging practices and their cultural significance, Melissa developed a resource package to build knowledge and confidence, while strengthening STEGH’s existing policy. The package includes answers to frequently asked questions, procedural guidance, suggested language for conversations with patients and families, and additional resources.
As a result, STEGH’s revised policy now provides clearer guidance and more culturally informed support for patients and families requesting smudging in the Emergency Department.
“I wanted to make it easier for our team to support patients and families when they ask to smudge,” says Melissa. “As a member of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, this initiative is especially meaningful to me. In the Emergency Department, we often care for people during some of their most difficult moments. Being able to honour their cultural and spiritual needs is an important part of providing compassionate care. It’s about making sure people feel respected and supported during their time with us.”
To further improve access throughout the hospital, Melissa also assembled a second smudging kit, housed in the Security Office, for use in other areas of STEGH. What began with a simple question has grown into a meaningful improvement in how STEGH supports the cultural and spiritual needs of Indigenous patients and families.
The initiative reflects the importance of recognizing that quality care involves more than addressing physical needs. It also means respecting the cultural, emotional and spiritual dimensions of care. Through collaboration and a commitment to continuous improvement, STEGH continues to find ways to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who comes through its doors.