Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health

Wabano Centre, an Indigenous health centre in Ottawa

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an Indigenous organization located in Ottawa, Ontario, dedicated to the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people of all backgrounds and stages of life. It defines itself as an Indigenous Centre for Excellence in Healthcare Services and operates under the motto "One Circle One Centre". Its headquarters are located at 299 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1L 6B8.

Healthcare and model of care

The centre offers health services from an Indigenous perspective, with a holistic model of care that integrates four dimensions of well-being: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. This model, based on the Medicine Wheel and on the work of Dr. Martin Brokenleg, guides the development and delivery of all its programs and services. The medical clinic is in the process of accepting new Indigenous patients, expanding its team to serve more members of the community. In addition to the medical clinic, the centre has an eye clinic.

Community programs and services

Wabano structures its activity around four areas of specialization: healthcare, clinical, social, economic and cultural initiatives, education and community advocacy, and service excellence as a reference centre for urban Indigenous health. Its programs include:

• Care for infants and children (Wabano Kids), youth, adults and seniors.
• Mental wellness, with relapse prevention support.
• Healthy living and diabetes support.
• Maternal health and parenting.
• Fitness classes, including Learn to Lift (women only) and Strength & Conditioning.
• Housing and homelessness advocacy and support.
• Youth support and healthcare system (Circle of Care).
• Education, training and culture: cultural workshops, ICS training, ICS symposium, professional development.
• Cultural events such as the Igniting the Spirit Gala.

Cultural and community activities

The centre organizes regular cultural activities, such as Indigenous seniors circles, smoke-free lunch hours, men's and women's drum group practices, beading nights and cultural workshops. It also offers facility rentals for events. Programming includes evening activities and some weekends. The centre is looking for volunteers to support its culture program.

History and mission

Wabano was created by Indigenous people for Indigenous people, with the goal of bringing together the knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures in one space. Its main mandate is to create and provide services that prevent illness, treat ailments and offer culturally sensitive support and aftercare. The organization defines itself as more than a health centre: it seeks to be a place that all Indigenous people can call home. In January 2025 it established its strategic priorities for the next three years: to be community, to be an Indigenous employer of choice and to be an Indigenous centre of excellence in Indigenous health care.

Contact and hours

General service hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. General administration can be reached at (613) 748-0657 and info@wabano.com. The health clinic can be reached at (613) 748-5999 and clinic@wabano.com. Media requests should be directed to (613) 748-0657 ext. 233 or media@wabano.com. The culture team can be contacted at cultureteam@wabano.com.

Location and contact

299 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1L 6B8 · Phone: (613) 748-0657 · Email: info@wabano.com · Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00am to 5:30pm