Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre was one of the ten original Aboriginal Health Access Centres that were created in 1998. In 2023, Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre celebrated 25 years. This anniversary was rang in with ceremony. Those that were involved with the creation of Gizhewaadiziwin were reached out to, given asema, and asked to share their story of the history of the organization. Please read on to find out more about the history of Gizhewaadiziwin. Miigwech to all who were part of organizing our story for us to share.
Our Name
Our name, Gizhewaadiziwin, was given to us in a traditional naming ceremony. It is Anishinaabemowin for “The Ojibwe way of living with kindness, respect and unconditional love.” It means to be of an unconditionally kind nature. A healer is considered to have this characteristic of kindness. It signifies being whole, calm and patient. We feel it fits with our Centre and of putting clients first.
Who named it and when
Gizhewaadiziwin was named by Leona McGinnis, she was given tobacco by Alfred Henderson, from Mitaanjigamiing First Nation to name it.
What our name means to our people
Gizhewaadiziwin means being kind, loving and caring, being whole, calm, patient.
Gizhewaadiziwin represents four beings and four directions.
Love and care just like Gizhewenimin. People who work there love to help and care.
Gizhewaadiziwin means being whole, calm, patient and being a good person. How do you create a healthy person? Four beings. Four parts of you.
Living a good, kind, healthy, and respectful life.
