At Northern Health (NH), we recognize that reconnecting with culture is not always a straight path—it can be filled with questions, uncertainty, and courage. Cultural leave is here to support Indigenous staff wherever they are on their journey. Whether you’re deeply rooted or just beginning to find your way back, this time is for you. It’s about reclaiming who you are, strengthening your spirit, and honouring your story.
As part of our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, NH supports Indigenous staff in reconnecting with their cultures, families, and communities through initiatives such as cultural leave.
For many, reconnecting with culture is not only about preserving traditions—it’s a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, healing, and belonging. For Melissa, an NH staff member, cultural leave became a powerful opportunity to explore a part of her identity that had long felt distant.
“Growing up, I felt disconnected from my Cree and Métis culture,” she said. “While I’ve always been connected to my Wet’suwet’en roots on my maternal side, I hadn’t connected with my Saskatchewan roots until the summer of 2024.”
Using her cultural leave, Melissa made the long drive to Saskatchewan to reconnect with her Métis and Cree family. Along the way, a simple stop at a gas station in North Battleford turned into a moment of profound affirmation.
“As I waited to pay for my snacks, an elderly woman approached me and asked who my family was,” she recalled. “When I mentioned Meadow Lake and Regina, she smiled and said, ‘Oh, you have family here too! I know the Morins—I know your uncle and your family. Good family! Welcome home!’”
That brief exchange left Melissa with a deep sense of pride and belonging—her journey and identity recognized by someone from the community.
Upon arriving, Melissa felt an immediate and powerful connection to the land and the teachings that surrounded her. Immersing herself in stories and traditions, she experienced a grounding sense of clarity—an inner recognition of identity that resonated beyond words. It was a moment of spiritual affirmation that reconnected her not just to her roots, but to herself.
Melissa’s story is a powerful reminder that cultural reconnection is a deeply personal journey—one that strengthens individuals, families, and communities. Through cultural leave, NH supports Indigenous staff in reclaiming their identities and honouring their ancestors.
“Our culture is our identity; it makes us unique and connects us to our past,” reflects Melissa. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and for the support that made it possible.”
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