A milestone moment for Indigenous wellness arrived Nov. 25 when the Minookmii Program — offered through Waypoint’s Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program — received the Improved Indigenous Health Award at the Ontario Health System Quality and Innovation Awards.
These annual awards honour outstanding achievements across Ontario’s health system. Minookmii earned recognition in a category for initiatives that strengthen care for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous people, families and communities.
This affirms that meaningful impacts in Indigenous health happen when relationships are built on trust, respect and humility.
Melissa Moreau, Manager, Ontario Structured Psychotherapy
Minookmii, meaning Sacred Tracks Upon the Earth, is a regional service developed as a branch of OSP. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, the program was led and shaped by the vision, guidance and commitment of Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin and B’Saanibamaadsiwin, two Indigenous partner organizations whose leadership has been central to its success.
They continue to lead us toward better health outcomes for Indigenous communities. This award tells the story of nurtured relationships and a shared belief that we can create a space for healing and walk the path together.
Melissa Moreau
Waypoint proudly nominated the Minookmii Program to honour and celebrate these partners and their unwavering dedication.
Collaborating with the remarkable teams at Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin and B’Saanibamaadsiwin has been one of the greatest honours of my career. Their leadership and commitment to addressing the needs of the communities they serve has led to impactful outcomes that deserve recognition and celebration.
Jess Ariss, Clinical Director of the Bayview, Georgianwood and Sans Souci programs, and Co-Lead for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Programs considered for the Improved Indigenous Health Award demonstrate leadership in:
- identifying and addressing anti-Indigenous racism and its impacts on health
- building stronger relationships with Indigenous patients, organizations and communities
- expanding access to culturally appropriate health services through innovative approaches
- enhancing outcomes by improving co-ordination, delivery and evaluation of care
As part of OSP, Minookmii provides free, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and related treatments for adults with depression and anxiety-related concerns. At its core, Minookmii weaves together Indigenous ways of knowing with CBT and cultural practices, offering a holistic, person-centred model of care. The program embraces Indigenous wellness frameworks that uplift belonging, hope, meaning and purpose — elements foundational to well-being in many Indigenous communities.
Beyond one-on-one therapy, Minookmii connects individuals with a range of culturally relevant supports, including sacred medicines, land-based healing, horse-assisted wellness, and ceremonies such as sharing circles. Traditional Healers, Elders and Knowledge Keepers play an integral role, ensuring the care aligns with the lived experiences of community members.