Pikangikum Health Authority, which is located in Pikangikum First Nation, a fly-in Ojibwe community in northern Ontario, is implementing RNAO’s Adopting eHealth Solutions best practice guideline (BPG). In March 2026, RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun, President NP Lhamo Dolkar and President-Elect Sue LeBeau paid a special visit to the community with representatives from RNAO’s Indigenous Health Program and the provincial government. 

Local RNs Donna Williams and Jonas Regier, BPSO lead and director of health transformation, respectively, collaborated with Pikangikum Chief Paddy Peters and members of the local Council to lead discussions about empowering their journey to design and deliver health services and promote self-determination and cultural safety. 

Grinspun spearheaded the visit and invited Deborah Richardson, Ontario’s deputy health minister, Dr. Karima Velji, chief of nursing and professional practice and assistant deputy minister, and Sean Twyford, assistant deputy minister for strategic policy, planning and French language services. Representing RNAO’s Indigenous Health Program were Grace Suva, senior program manager, Kate Hanson, program manager, and Tanya Costa, program coordinator.

The group reviewed some of the local health initiatives and visited the nursing station, health hub and community school to meet with care providers and educators. They also spent time at the Knowledge Keepers Elders' Complex, which is vital to keeping community members out of Red Lake Hospital (the closest hospital) by providing wrap-around Elders care and palliative care.

Watch video highlights from the visit and read this issue's President's View for NP Lhamo Dolkar's personal reflection on the visit.