North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network

06/17/2026

Wednesday Wisdom: This coming Sunday is National Indigenous Peoples Day 🌿

Sunday, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day—a special day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Why June 21?
This date coincides with the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—which holds deep cultural, spiritual, and traditional significance for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous communities.

How to Participate:

FREE online learning program - Virtual Program
Saint-Marie among the Huron
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Available June 15th - 25th
https://saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/education/nipd-virtual-program/

Day of learning - Educational celebration
Thursday, June 18
https://saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/events/national-indigenous-peoples-day/ -focused-celebration

Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre Pow Wow
Friday, June 19 – Saturday, June 20
Saint Marie among the Hurons, Barrie
Sacred fire, traditional music, drumming, cultural celebration
https://www.gbnfc.com/traditional-pow-wow
https://www.canva.com/design/DAHMLhOtHB4/390uNAk2rcvxLQHn0qVnZg/edit

National Indigenous Peoples Day & Logan Staats Concert
Sunday, June 21 · 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
River Mill Park, Huntsville
Family-friendly activities, arts & crafts demonstrations
https://www.huntsvillefestival.ca/national-indigenous-peoples-day

Legends of lacrosse
For allies and sports fans
Sunday, June 21
https://saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/events/national-indigenous-peoples-day/ -of-Lacrosse

Popular Event Types Across Canada:
- Sunrise ceremonies & sacred fire ceremonies
- Traditional drumming, music, and dance performances
- Indigenous arts, crafts, and vendors
- Traditional food tastings
- Cultural teachings and demonstrations
- Kids' crafts and Indigenous games

Take Action This Week:
✅ Attend a local celebration (Huntsville and Midland are both just a short drive!)
✅ Listen to Indigenous stories and knowledge-keepers
✅ Support Indigenous artists and vendors at the market
✅ Learn about Indigenous history in Simcoe County
✅ Share what you learn with others using

Everyone is welcome! This is a day for all Canadians to honour Indigenous cultures and communities.

06/16/2026

Join us at Hospice Orillia for a special information session with Dying with Dignity Barrie & Simcoe County! 🌿

Discover more about their mission, local chapter activities, and the important advocacy work they’re doing in our community. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, connect, and learn how you can support compassionate end-of-life care.

🗓 Date: Friday, June 19th, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Orillia Common Roof
💙 Fee: Free

Everyone is welcome; registration is required! RSVP - https://hospiceorillia.ca/support/dying-with-dignity-canada-information-session/

Let’s come together to support dignity, choice, and compassionate care.

06/15/2026

🌟 Meet the Team Monday 🌟

Today, we’re honoured to introduce Alice Wood, one of our dedicated Hospice Orillia volunteers. Alice offers compassionate caregiver support, one-to-one bereavement care, and meaningful visits with those in need.

Her words beautifully capture the heart of hospice care:
“Building a relationship with someone who knows that death is around the corner opens your heart to a state of presence and gratitude. It’s an honour and a privilege to hear their memories, insights, and reflections on what matters most as they approach the end of life.”

Thank you, Alice, for the care, compassion, and dignity you bring to our community each day.

06/13/2026

Are your wishes for the future protected? Join Hospice Georgian Triangle for “Advance Care Planning with Thai Shelton” and take the first step in making your voice heard. 🌿

🗓️ Tuesday, September 15th
🕜 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
📍 Campbell House, Lighthouse Room, 240 Erie St, Collingwood

Learn how to reflect on what matters most, decide who will speak for you, and share your wishes with loved ones. All participants will receive a FREE Advance Care Planning Workbook!

Don’t leave your future to chance—empower yourself and your family with peace of mind.
RSVP today: [email protected]



Note: The text above was not created using AI despite the tag of AI Info being added.

06/12/2026

Join us at Hospice Orillia for a special information session with Dying with Dignity Barrie & Simcoe County! 🌿

Discover more about their mission, local chapter activities, and the important advocacy work they’re doing in our community. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, connect, and learn how you can support compassionate end-of-life care.

🗓 Date: Friday, June 19th, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Orillia Common Roof
💙 Fee: Free

Everyone is welcome; registration is required! RSVP online at https://hospiceorillia.ca/support/dying-with-dignity-canada-information-session/

Let’s come together to support dignity, choice, and compassionate care.

06/11/2026

Orillia Area - Free Community Event

You’re invited to a meaningful evening at our Garden of Remembrance—a special community memorial event to honour and celebrate every person of significance we cherish.

This gathering is open to all, regardless of when or how your loss occurred, and whether your loved one had a connection to Orillia or not. Grief has no boundaries, and neither does our circle of remembrance.

Let’s come together for reflection, connection, and support as we remember those who are no longer with us. Bring a friend or family member and help us create a space filled with comfort, hope, and shared memories.

🗓 Date: Thursday, June 25th, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Garden of Remembrance, Couchiching Beach Park, Orillia (near the greenhouse)

🔗 RSVP & learn more: https://hospiceorillia.ca/garden

Together, we honour every story—because every memory matters. 💚

06/11/2026

Due to unforeseen circumstances, today’s Dementia Friendly Communities session, presented in partnership with Hospice Orillia and the Alzheimer Society, has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Please stay tuned for a new date. To keep up to date on upcoming sessions, we encourage you to register for our newsletter and receive updates directly by email. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/18tFrR6

06/10/2026

Wednesday Wisdom

This Men’s Mental Health Week (June 9–15), let’s break the silence together. Strength isn’t about carrying the weight alone—it’s about having the courage to reach out, speak up, and support one another. Too often, men feel pressure to “just handle it,” but real bravery is found in honest conversations and asking for help.

Take a moment this week to check in with the men in your life. Ask how they’re truly feeling, listen with compassion, and remind them that support is always available. Your simple act of care could be the lifeline someone needs.

If you or someone you know could use support in Ontario, here are some helpful resources:

- ConnexOntario: Free, confidential help for mental health, addiction, and gambling. Call 1-866-531-2600 or chat online: https://connexontario.ca/
- 211 Ontario: Dial 2-1-1 for local community and mental health services. https://211ontario.ca/
- BounceBack Ontario: Free CBT-based support for adults and youth 15+. https://mindyourmind.ca/self-expression-design-labs/blog/bounceback-program-cmha/
- Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program: Free support for adults facing depression and anxiety. https://www.therapyontario.ca/
- Canadian Men’s Health Foundation: MindFit tools, stories, and virtual support. https://menshealthfoundation.ca/
- 988 Su***de Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 anytime for immediate support.

Let’s make it normal to talk about mental health. Together, we can create a community where men feel safe to seek help and know they’re not alone.

06/09/2026

Professional Palliative Education Portal

Supporting your team through accessible, evidence-informed learning in palliative care.

The North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network’s Professional Palliative Education Portal includes modules on A Palliative Approach to Care, Advance Care Planning, Breast Cancer, Chronic Renal Failure, Congestive Heart Failure, COPD and a Palliative Approach to Managing Dyspnea, Grief Happens, Pain Assessment, Palliative Care Emergencies, and more.

This free educational resource is designed to help support professionals with practical tools and knowledge they can use in everyday care.

Scan the QR code or visit nsmhpcn.ca/ppep-login/ to access the full portal.

06/08/2026

Planning ahead can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for a free, informative session designed to help you navigate important decisions with clarity and confidence.

“When Time Matters Most” Pre-Planning Seminar
Presented in partnership with IG Private Wealth Management and Galina Johnston.

Learn what you need to know about pre-planning, estate responsibilities, and protecting your legacy—all in a supportive, easy-to-understand setting.

Save your spot today: https://nsmhpcn.ca/event/when-time-matters-most-pre-planning-seminar/

Are you prepared for the future? Join us for our FREE “When Time Matters Most” Pre-Planning Seminar with IG Private Wealth Management and Galina Johnston!

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 24th
🕦 Time: 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Orillia Common Roof Building, 169 Front St S, Orillia

In just one hour, you’ll learn about:
• Pre-planning arrangements
• Executor roles and next steps
• Taxes, estate settlements, and fiduciaries
• Digital legacies

Take the first step in securing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Reserve your spot now: https://nsmhpcn.ca/event/when-time-matters-most-pre-planning-seminar/

Questions? Contact Lori Gill at [email protected] or (705) 325-0505 ext. 221.