At Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital, the work of Amanda Dixon, the newly appointed Indigenous Patient Navigator, is helping reshape the way Indigenous patients access and experience health care on the Coast. A member of the shíshálh Nation, Dixon is committed to creating healthy, welcoming spaces that cater to the cultural and spiritual needs of all patients—a mission that runs in her family.
Amanda Dixon’s Role in Transforming Healthcare
Born at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital, Amanda Dixon’s journey in health care began in 2011, working in hospital security. As she observed the flow of patients from her post, Dixon became inspired to work with Elders. Her pursuit of a career in health care led her to Capilano University, where she trained as a health care assistant, later working as a Care Aide at Totem Lodge. Dixon continued her studies at UBC, earning a degree in Aboriginal Health and Community Administration before becoming the Interim Health Manager with the shíshálh Nation.
Today, as the Indigenous Patient Navigator at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital, Dixon plays a crucial role in helping Indigenous patients navigate the healthcare system, acting as an advocate, connecting families to community resources, and assisting with their transition back home. Her goal is to make primary care more comfortable and accessible, ensuring Indigenous patients can access equitable, quality care and overcome barriers to healing.
Integrating Traditional Medicine in Healthcare Spaces
One of Dixon’s key contributions has been the incorporation of traditional, local medicine into hospital spaces. Working with cedar and sweet grass, she facilitates smudging and feather brushing ceremonies—offering these healing practices to patients by request. Dixon has led these ceremonies six times since January, extending her services to other local health facilities like Christenson Village and Sumac Place. Cedar, revered for its cleansing, protective, and healing properties, plays an essential role in both the physical and emotional well-being of patients.
With the hospital’s full support, Dixon has ensured these traditional practices are available across all units, while protocols are in place to manage the smoke and protect other patients’ health. This integration of cultural healing practices underscores Dixon’s commitment to blending modern medicine with Indigenous traditions, ensuring all patients experience holistic care.
A Legacy of Service: Linda Bitting’s Contribution
Amanda Dixon is not the first in her family to impact the local healthcare landscape. Her mother, Linda Bitting, has dedicated 15 years to ensuring Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital remains clean and safe. As part of the environmental services team, Bitting played an essential role during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the hospital adhered to evolving cleaning protocols. Her tireless efforts helped Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital maintain a reputation as one of the cleanest and best-performing hospitals in the region.
Bitting expressed her pride in her daughter’s accomplishments, noting that her hope is to see more healthcare workers on the Coast and a deeper understanding of cultural diversity integrated into local healthcare practices.
Shaping Healing Environments Through People and Culture
Creating healthy spaces and healing environments extends beyond physical cleanliness and equipment—it involves emotional and spiritual care. A key part of the hospital’s healing environment is the cultural safety offered to patients, an environment where diverse cultural practices are honored and respected. This atmosphere is shaped not only by clinical staff but by those who work behind the scenes, such as housekeepers and maintenance staff. Their support provides patients and caregivers with an additional layer of comfort and security.
Amanda and Linda Bitting both contribute to this effort every day, making Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital a place where healing is not just about medical treatment, but about cultural and emotional well-being as well. Their shared commitment ensures that the hospital remains a space where patients feel seen, heard, and cared for in every aspect of their healing journey.
Related topics:
How to Know If You Have High Blood Pressure
How Can One Prevent Hypertension?
Curiosity May Hold Key to Healthy Brain Aging
