South East Health Unit unveils art honouring Indigenous voices and perspectives in health care

On Wednesday, Jul. 2, 2025, the South East Health Unit (SEHU) unveiled new commissioned artwork by Indigenous artist Judi Montgomery at its Kingston office. Montgomery’s artwork, to be permanently displayed in the public health office foyer, reflects Indigenous perspectives on health, wellness, identity, and belonging. It embodies SEHU’s commitment to health equity and the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous voices in health care environments.

Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SEHU, noted, “Today’s unveiling is about more than just a beautiful piece of art; it's a step on our ongoing journey towards health equity. As a public health agency, we are proud to participate in the Indigenous Spaces and Places in Health Care Initiative, which is helping us incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the physical and social spaces of health care. This not only acknowledges Indigenous histories but also promotes well-being [and] belonging and builds trust."

"This commissioned piece by Judi Montgomery is a powerful example of that intention," Oglaza went on. "It reflects not only Indigenous teachings but also the potential for art to inspire reflection, spark dialogue, and bring people together. This is a visible expression of our commitment to creating environments that recognize and honour indigenous knowledge, wellness, and identity.”

A press release indicates that the project reflects SEHU’s broader commitment to embed Indigenous cultural understanding and representation into the fabric of public health service delivery.

“Representation in health spaces matters,” Oglaza said. “The South East Health Unit is dedicated to integrating Indigenous perspectives in our work, in ways that influence our public health systems, relationships, and environments across the region.”

Montgomery noted that her art piece is based on a medicine wheel. The medicine wheel is a significant symbol in many Indigenous cultures, representing the interconnectedness of all life and the cyclical nature of existence. It is typically depicted as a circle divided into four sections, each representing different aspects of life, often including the four cardinal directions (east, south, west, and north), the four seasons, the four elements, or the stages of life. The medicine wheel is used as a tool for healing, teaching, and finding balance in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

“As a member of the Anishinabek Nation and a successful writer and artist, I know that the stories of my ancestors have and will keep us strong, give us courage, and teach us about who we are,” she said.

The SEHU Kingston office (formerly KFL&A Public Health) is one of six locations selected to participate in the Indigenous Spaces and Places in Health Care Initiative, a collaborative effort led by the Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Ontario Health Team (FLA OHT); Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC); and Three Things Consulting. Oglaza thanked these three organizations for their collaboration on this initiative and their commitment to strengthening Indigenous health and well-being in our region.

In addition to creating visibility through these culturally relevant art installations, the Indigenous Spaces and Places in Health Care Initiative is advancing change across multiple pillars:

• developing and strengthening policies that foster equitable, culturally safe care for Indigenous clients, staff, and volunteers;
• providing training, education, and wellness circles for health care providers and leadership to deepen cultural understanding and build long-term capacity for change;
• supporting reconciliation through relationship building and knowledge sharing with Indigenreous communities across the region.

To learn more, visit the Indigenous Spaces and Places in Health Care Initiative web page.