Empathy in Action: Veronica Guido’s Guide to Indigenous Allyship in Healthcare

Veronica Guido, Director of Indigenous Partnerships and Strategies at Mohawk Medbuy (MMC), recently delivered an impactful talk to staff at Quinte Health, focusing on how healthcare professionals can become better allies to Indigenous communities. With a rich background in Aboriginal law and experience in advocating for Indigenous rights, Veronica shared personal insights, historical context, and practical guidance for healthcare workers striving to improve their interactions with Indigenous patients.

Veronica began by discussing her family’s history, explaining how policies like enfranchisement—a Canadian government effort to assimilate Indigenous people—affected her ancestors. She shared how her great-grandparents lost their Indigenous status through marriage and work, which was part of a broader effort to erase Indigenous identity. This personal connection to Canada’s colonial past set the stage for a deeper exploration of how these policies continue to influence Indigenous health outcomes today.

One of the key themes of Veronica’s presentation was the power of language and cultural understanding in healthcare settings. She explained that using respectful, accurate terminology when referring to Indigenous people is crucial, noting that while “Indigenous” is an accepted umbrella term, it’s essential to recognize the diversity within First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. She warned against “pan-Indigenizing,” or treating all Indigenous peoples as the same, and encouraged the audience to learn about the specific communities they serve.

Veronica also provided a poignant example of how colonialism disrupted Indigenous ways of life, including traditional farming practices that once sustained Indigenous communities with nutrient-rich foods. The forced shift to European-style agriculture, she explained, contributed to the rise of chronic illnesses like diabetes that disproportionately affect Indigenous populations today. This loss of traditional knowledge, coupled with the trauma of residential schools—where children were malnourished, abused, and stripped of their cultural identities—has had a lasting impact on Indigenous health.

A significant portion of Veronica’s talk focused on the specific challenges faced by Indigenous women, who experience higher rates of chronic illness, maternal mortality, and mental health issues compared to non-Indigenous women. She highlighted the alarming statistics around violence against Indigenous women, noting that they are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence and human trafficking. Indigenous women make up only 5% of Canada’s population, but they account for 22% of all women killed by intimate partners, and 50% of all human trafficking victims. Veronica’s experience working with Indigenous women in the criminal justice system underscored the urgent need for healthcare workers to understand these vulnerabilities.

Veronica’s message about allyship was clear and thought-provoking. True allyship, she explained, is not something that healthcare providers can declare for themselves; rather, it is a title bestowed by the community they serve, based on consistent actions and demonstrated respect. She emphasized the importance of consultation and collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations, urging healthcare workers to allow Indigenous patients autonomy in their care. This includes incorporating traditional medicines and practices alongside Western medicine when appropriate, and recognizing the holistic approach to health that many Indigenous people value.

Veronica encouraged the audience to listen—to patients, to elders, and to Indigenous communities—while continuing to educate themselves on the historical and current challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. Her talk was a powerful reminder that becoming an ally is a lifelong journey, one that requires humility, ongoing learning, and a commitment to change.

Through her thoughtful and personal presentation, Veronica left the Quinte Health staff with a deeper understanding of the barriers Indigenous people face in accessing healthcare and the steps they can take to help break down those barriers. Her call to action was clear: to truly support Indigenous patients, healthcare professionals must be willing to acknowledge the past, embrace cultural understanding, and foster trust through respectful and inclusive care​.

#Compassion

#ValueEveryone

About Mohawk Medbuy

Veronica is the Director, Indigenous Partnerships and Strategies at Mohawk Medbuy (MMC) – a not-for-profit, shared services organization trusted by hundreds of hospitals and non-acute care providers across Canada. Quinte Health utilizes MMC’s value-driven procurement solutions and industry-leading supply disruption support for medical/surgical supplies, pharmaceutical products and capital equipment.

With an emerging focus on sustainability and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, MMC is actively supporting the creation of a resilient value chain that incorporates environmental, social, and economic best practices. Learn more about Reconciliation in Action at Mohawk Medbuy here.