Aboriginal healing has been going on in “various ways, places and spaces” at Sudbury Regional Hospital for many years, says Joyce Helmer.

The chair of the hospital’s Aboriginal Healing Council said she was “over the moon” on Thursday when the hospital unveiled its Mshkikii-Gaming — Medicine Lodge. It will provide a visible, sacred place for aboriginal healing right off the main lobby of the new Sudbury Regional Hospital.

“This is so meaningful for our community,” said Helmer, also the vice-president of the Shkagamik- Kwe Health Centre.

“It will bring a whole different aspect to the forefront that hasn’t been as visible in the past.”