This project brings together the Six Nations Department of Well-Being, the Extensive Needs Service at McMaster Children’s Hospital, and the Offord Centre for Child Studies to strengthen how First Nations children with neurodevelopmental needs are supported.

Families in Indigenous communities often experience gaps in services, barriers to accessing care, and supports that do not reflect their cultural values or lived realities. At the same time, hospital-based providers are committed to offering culturally safe care, but recognize that meaningful change requires stronger relationships, shared learning, and guidance from the community.

The focus of this project is relationship-building, not data collection. Our goal is to build trust, shared understanding, and strong partnerships for long-term collaboration. Through a series of gatherings held at Six Nations of the Grand River, partners will come together to learn from one another, share cultural teachings, identify shared priorities, and develop culturally grounded ways of working side by side.

A Family and Youth Advisory Circle will guide the process, ensuring the work reflects the voices, experiences, and priorities of families. By the end of the year, partners will develop a community-owned record of shared principles, priorities, protocols, and next steps. This foundation will guide future co-designed initiatives and help improve access to culturally safe, family-centred care for neurodiverse Six Nations children and their families.

Award

Community Impact Grant

  • Kids Brain Health Network: $24,988

Partners

  • Offord Centre
  • Six Nations
  • McMaster Children’s Hospital

Team

  • Principal Investigator: Dr. Teresa Bennett
  • Co- Investigator: Jeffrey McCrossin
  • Co- Investigator: Laura Todd
  • Co- Investigator: Amber Gowland
  • Co- Investigator: Crystal Gibson
  • Co- Investigator: Jordan Edwards
  • Co- Investigator: Irene Drmic
  • Co- Investigator: Andrea Cross
  • Co- Investigator: Caitlin Davey