The CBHSSJB is honored to be among the highest-scoring submissions for the Journées de l’Architecture en Santé du Québec’s program. Chairperson Bertie Wapachee and the consortium of architects had the honor of presenting the future Regional Hospital to 300 participants on June 12th, for which the CBHSSJB Board members were present, to deliver a presentation that was both technical and cultural. Mr. Bertie Wapachee, community members and staff members worked extensively in collaboration with architects Jean-François Gagnon, Pascale Tetreault and Julie Boucher on the conceptualization of the new facility and provided key insights throughout the entire process.
The international scientific committee of JAS selected projects highlighting architectural quality in the service of healthcare professionals and was most-impressed by how Cree culture, traditions and values were integrated in the future facility in Chisasibi. The plans for the future Regional Hospital also stood out by its innovative design, its overarching mission and the scale of such project in a remote community.
“It’s a collaborative project. We met with a lot of people. We met with the elders, the youth and the Cree Board of Health to have the best perspective on the needs, the culture, the identity and the symbols that could be embedded in the project.”
Jean-François Gagnon, Architect
Part of the presentation focused on the hospital’s design and functional features that are closely related to Cree culture and protocols like the birthing rooms doors facing East and a dedicated space for traditional ceremonies. With the hunting drum being a key element of the design of the new building, Eastmain Board representative Jamie Moses opened the presentation with a demonstration and song. The other elected board members also attended the presentation to represent the organization.
“That's why I sought a way to pay tribute to our grandparents, especially those who tirelessly ensured our survival. Wanting to honor our ancestors as my initial thought has led me to propose incorporating the drum into this initiative. I also considered innovation with a focus on inspiring children and youth. I envisioned a facility that would motivate them to think, ‘What if I worked there?’ and for a child to dream, ‘I will become a doctor there’ or ‘I will be a nurse.’”
CBHSSJB Chairperson Bertie Wapachee
“The Regional Hospital is the queen piece of the whole strategy on providing access to care in the territory. It’s the culmination of the construction of several capital projects like elders’ homes, a healing centre, lodging units, and so on, until 2028. Then, in 2029 will come the new Regional Hospital as the final piece on the strategy ‘chess board.’”
Daniel St-Amour, Executive Director
The CBHSSJB expects to start providing services in the new facility by January or February 2029.
Renovation work has begun in the first phase of a project to modernize and improve the Chisasibi Regional Hospital’s hemodialysis unit. This work will increase the quality of care provided to our hemodialysis clients, who will benefit from improvements planned for the treatment unit.
