Horizon expanding Indigenous health services, hires 10 new Indigenous Patient Navigators

(HORIZON) – Horizon is taking a meaningful step forward in reconciliation and improving care for Indigenous patients and clients by expanding its Indigenous health services and hiring 10 new Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs).

This investment strengthens Horizon’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and supports more culturally safe, person-centred care across hospitals and community health settings.

“IPNs add significant value to our organization and communities, and this service expansion will ensure that care is culturally safe and centred on the whole person—physical, mental, emotional and spiritual,” said Natasha Lemieux, Vice President, Community. “Indigenous patients deserve an experience that honours their heritage and supports their journey through the health care system.”

Indigenous Patient Navigators facilitate access to traditional healing practices, foster cultural awareness among staff, and support trauma‑informed approaches. Their role is informed by extensive engagement with First Nations communities, Elders, Tribal Councils and Sankewitahasuwakon, ensuring services meet local needs.

With the expansion of this team, Horizon will now have a total of 12 IPNs providing these critical services to patients and clients, across all Horizon health care zones.

The additional new IPNs will be assigned to Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital (TMH) and Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH), respectively, while the remaining eight positions will be divided evenly between Horizon’s Addiction and Mental Health and Primary Health Care teams.

Horizon also has IPNs in place at the Miramichi Regional Hospital (MRH) and the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH).

“As an Indigenous registered nurse, with experience working in First Nations communities, acute care and mental health services, I’ve borne witness to how historical and systemic inequities continue to shape the health outcomes of our people,” said Aaron Hatty, Horizon’s Regional Manager, Indigenous Health. “That’s why I feel encouraged by this work as it is being carried out in true collaboration with Indigenous communities. These new positions are a meaningful step toward addressing disparities and supporting health systems navigation, which can be more complex for Indigenous people.”

Horizon has reallocated existing funds and directed over $1 million toward this expansion, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and enhancing health care equity for Indigenous people of New Brunswick. Recruitment is currently underway, with ten additional positions anticipated to be filled by fall 2025.

“Our government supports the expansion of the Indigenous health services at Horizon Health Network and a similar commitment at Vitalité Health Network to provide an improved health care experience for Indigenous communities,” said Minister of Indigenous Affairs Keith Chiasson, who attended on behalf of Minister of Health John Dornan. “We also remain committed to more collaboration with First Nations on other health care initiatives to ensure culturally-sensitive, safe, trauma-informed, and respectful health care services for Indigenous peoples.”

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