Improving healthcare for indigenous peoples

Stanton Territorial Hospital is the main healthcare facility for residents of the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) and western Nunavut in Canada. It was in need of expansion and renewal to serve a resident population growth expected to reach up to 60,000 in Yellowknife and the surrounding areas by 2050. 

Built in 1988, with traditional brickand-mortar methods, the facility’s design limited its physical and social transparency, integration with the environment, and incorporation of indigenous people’s cultural traditions, as well as health and healing practices. The hospital’s wayfinding was also confusing and overwhelming, adding to the stress and anxiety of patients and visitors. 

To fulfill the needs of the area’s culturally and linguistically diverse population, the project’s architecture and interior design team conducted a two-day consultative workshop that involved representatives from more than 14 First Nation bands from across the N.W.T. and Nunavut. The workshop explored past case studies, and included interactive activities to explore their cultural values and visions behind wellbeing and patientcentered care. Band representatives were asked to bring objects that embodied their cultural values, including crafts, beading, and calendar wheels.