Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) acknowledges that the sacred land on which we are situated, is the traditional territories of the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, the Anishinabeg, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. This territory is covered by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the allied nations to peaceably share and care for the lands around the Great Lakes.
We recognize the many Indigenous Peoples who presently live on this land known as Turtle Island as well as their ancestors. We are committed to providing culturally safer, holistic, and trauma-informed care for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous patients and families throughout their healthcare journey with us.
The Indigenous Patient Navigator advocates for and supports Indigenous patients admitted to MGH and their families, facilitating culturally safer care, access to services and planning for transition at discharge. The Navigator is a key member of your interprofessional care team, helping to coordinate holistic care that honours your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
Meet Daniel Chilton, RN
Daniel Chilton is a Registered Nurse and proud member of the Moose Cree First Nation, originally from Moose Factory, Ontario. With 20 years of experience in mental health, emergency and remote outpost care, Daniel has worked at Oak Valley Health, Scarborough Health Network (Centenary Site), North York General Hospital, and the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority in Moose Factory and Attawapiskat. His diverse career has given him extensive experience in both urban hospitals and remote First Nations communities.
Drawing on his lived experience as a First Nation person and his professional background, Daniel brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges Indigenous patients and families face when accessing healthcare. He is dedicated to providing culturally-safer, trauma-informed and holistic support, ensuring that patients feel respected, understood and connected to both medical and traditional healing practices.
"What excites me most about the IPN role is the chance to support Indigenous patients and families in a way that is culturally safe and meaningful. My background from Moose Factory gives me a deep understanding of the challenges people face, and I'm eager to use that perspective to help improve their care experience."
How Daniel can support you:
📞 Contact Information: Indigenous Patient Navigator
Name: Daniel Chilton
Phone: 647-330-7632
Email: @email
This service is available to MGH inpatients, outpatients and their families, including those in the MGH Stavro Emergency Department (ED). Hospital staff and physicians can make referrals on patients' behalf or patients and families can reach out directly.
The Toronto Central Indigenous Navigator provides specialized support for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous patients and families on a cancer care journey, including palliative and supportive care.
How we can support you:
📞 Contact Information
Toronto Central Indigenous Cancer Patient Navigator
Note: While this position is being filled, please reach out to MGH’s Indigenous Patient Navigator for support.
Patients, families and healthcare providers are welcome to contact the navigator directly.
For Indigenous Navigators in other regions of Ontario, visit: Cancer Care Ontario Indigenous Navigators.
We are committed to supporting traditional healing practices and cultural needs during your time at MGH.
Access to sacred drum and bundle is available for all Indigenous patients and families who wish to use these sacred items during their hospital stay.
To arrange access, please speak with your Indigenous Patient Navigator or ask a member of your care team.
MGH recognizes the importance of smudging and traditional ceremony as part of holistic Indigenous healing practices. Traditional sacred medicines including sage, sweetgrass, cedar and tobacco are available for smudging and ceremony at the hospital.
How to request smudging:
Your Indigenous Patient Navigator will work with you and the care team to accommodate traditional ceremony while you are at the hospital.
Access to Knowledge Keepers, Healers, and Elders for traditional ceremony, spiritual guidance and cultural support.
How to arrange: Contact the Indigenous Patient Navigator who will work with MGH healthcare providers and community partners to facilitate access to traditional spiritual care services.
We work closely with community-based Indigenous organizations to connect you with appropriate cultural supports.
You can connect with the Indigenous Patient Navigator in several ways:
Yes. Family members are welcome to contact the Indigenous Patient Navigator to request support and coordinate access to cultural and spiritual resources for their loved one.
Contact the Indigenous Patient Navigator who can help facilitate connection with Knowledge Keepers and Elders. The Navigator works with community partners to coordinate visits and ceremonies based on your needs and wishes.
The Indigenous Patient Navigator is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. For after-hours needs, please speak with your care team who can document your request and ensure the Navigator connects with you as soon as possible. In urgent situations, your care team will work to accommodate cultural and spiritual needs to the best of their ability.
Yes! Healthcare providers are encouraged to refer Indigenous patients to the Indigenous Patient Navigator. Providers can also contact the Navigator directly to discuss how to best support Indigenous patients and families in their care.
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides coverage for certain health benefits for eligible First Nations and Inuit people. The Indigenous Patient Navigator has expertise in this program and can help you navigate access to these benefits during your hospital stay and discharge planning.
To learn about the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program and how to access it, click here.
We honour the diversity of Indigenous peoples, cultures and traditions. These services are here to support you in a way that respects your individual needs, beliefs and practices.
