Noojimowin Bimaadziwin Gamik (Healing Room)

Noojimowin Bimaadziwin Gamik, meaning “Healing Life Room,” is located on the ground level of WPSHC. Designed to reflect a healing lodge, this space was created in 2005 to support Indigenous patients, families, and communities in cultural practices like smudging and cedar baths, in collaboration with local Elders. The room’s primary purpose is to create a meeting space for Indigenous patients, residents and families, to participate in cultural traditions and ceremonies. The room can also be reserved by community members, partners and employees for workshops, training sessions, and seminars, with priority given to First Nation patients, families, and partners.

The interior of the Noojimowin Bimaadziwin Gamik from beside the western doorway. The room is full of a variety of staff and volunteers participating in a smudge, prior to a training session. Roughly circular in shape, a central feature includes a large dream catcher hanging from the ceiling over a circular table in the middle of the room.
One a crisp fall day a variety of staff and volunteers sit at The Circle, an outdoor space designed for contemplation and meetings. A ring of large granite rocks form the seating area. In the foreground is a edge of a white cedar tree, in the background is the health center against a blue sky.

In 2024 WPSHC added an outdoor space, The Circle, that can be used for contemplation, a meeting place or staff training. It is located beside the four white cedar trees that are dedicated to the original Elders who inspired the Noojimowin Bimaadziwin Gamik. Moving forward we wish to establish additional signage outside and a friendship garden, it is our hope that this will feature traditional medicines.

To reserve the Healing Life Room, please contact, Nicole Murphy Ext. 4132, Janie Wallace Ext. 4142, or Sarah Murray Ext. 1339. For urgent access outside office hours, please reach the switchboard at 705-746-9321, or visit the front desk on the third floor.

How do I get to?

Healing Room
  • Located on the 1st floor, directly to the right upon entering the building.   
  • From the elevator, turn left.  Looks past the outpatient rehab reception for the entrance to the healing room.  
The front of West Parry Sound Health Centre's building from a low angle with the focus on the entrance, the flags tower over the viewer, with a vivid sunset in the background.