Celebrating the 3rd Annual Bundle Feast
The Toronto Central Regional Indigenous Cancer Program (TCR-ICP), in partnership with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, celebrated the 3rd Annual Bundle Feast earlier this month. The ceremony honoured The Bundles, which have been gifted to ten Toronto hospitals by TCR-ICP to improve the care and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, Métis patients and their families who are on the cancer journey.
Toronto Grace Health Centre received their first bundle at this event. Each Bundle includes a ceremonial hand drum, rattle, copper cup and medicines to incorporate traditional healing practices. They symbolize a bridge between health care and Indigenous healing.
Guests participated in a smudge as they entered the ceremony, followed by a welcome from Sunnybrook CEO Dr. Andy Smith and Indigenous Patient Navigator Leonard Benoit. Knowledge Carrier EJ Kwandibens, Loon Clan, Northern Woodland Anishiinaabe (Ojibway) of the Waahbiidaahgaah (Whitesand) First Nation, led an opening prayer and teaching.
“Spiritual beings are all around us and also within us, and the drums are the physical instruments that symbolize that,” says Kwandibens. “Today is about coming together to acknowledge our connections as well as the work that still needs to be done.”
Kwandibens’ daughter and granddaughter performed ceremonial Jingle Dress Dances while he sang traditional songs. Following the teaching, each drum’s caretaker introduced themselves and reconnected with their bundle, which were placed together in the circle’s centre and smudged during the ceremony.
Participants shared in a closing prayer and Thank You song, and were invited to provide an offering to the ceremonies firekeeper, John LaForme.
“This event reaffirms our commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous health system leaders, including the Indigenous Cancer Program, ensuring culturally safe care for Indigenous patients and their families,” says Dr. Smith.
