Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is one of Ontario’s largest hospital systems, serving a diverse population over multiple sites. As part of its commitment to reconciliation, HHS embarked on developing an Indigenous Health Plan to guide strategies for improving health outcomes and experiences for Indigenous patients, families, and communities.
HHS required a partner to bring the Indigenous Health Plan to life in a manner that was culturally grounded, institutionally professional, and broadly accessible. The project involved:
● Graphic design and branding work for a complex institutional document
● A logo design that authentically represents Indigenous worldviews and values
● PowerPoint presentation design for use in stakeholder and leadership settings
● Culturally appropriate copywriting services that reflect Indigenous teachings while meeting institutional communication standards
● Effective communication and collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including HHS’s Communications and Marketing teams, the Indigenous Strategic Advisor, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) leadership
● Drawing inspiration from local First Nations teachings and stories to inform design elements
● A logo inspired by the Seven Sacred Teachings and Elder Albert Marshall’s Two-Eyed Seeing theory, recognizing the value of both traditional Indigenous wisdom and Western science
● Adherence to major accessibility guidelines so all deliverables are usable by diverse audiences
This combination of cultural complexity, stakeholder breadth, and technical/institutional requirements made it a complex institutional project.
Swank Business Solutions worked closely with HHS through a collaborative and culturally informed process. Key aspects of our solution included:
● Plan Design & Branding: Layout and overall visual identity of the Indigenous Health Plan that reflect local Indigenous teachings and design sensibilities, presented in a polished, accessible, and professional format.
● Logo Design: Creation of a logo rooted in the Seven Sacred Teachings and Elder Albert Marshall’s Two-Eyed Seeing theory, visually symbolizing balance and inclusion of both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
● Presentation Design: Development of a PowerPoint deck used to showcase the plan to leadership and stakeholders, designed for clarity, visual appeal, and cultural resonance.
● Copywriting: Composition of plan text that is respectful, inclusive, clear, and culturally grounded, ensuring that Indigenous voices and perspectives are honored.
● Stakeholder Collaboration: Continuous engagement with HHS’s Communications & Marketing team, the Indigenous Strategic Advisor, DEI leadership, and other relevant internal stakeholders to ensure work aligned with both institutional expectations and Indigenous values.
● Accessibility Standards: Ensured designs, presentations, and content met major accessibility guidelines in layout, color contrast, typography, and structure, allowing broad access and usability.
The project delivered a final Indigenous Health Plan that met or exceeded all expectations:
● A professional, polished document that clearly communicates HHS’s vision and commitments toward Indigenous health and reconciliation
● A visual identity that is meaningful, symbolically rich, and culturally resonant, which strengthened stakeholder buy-in and pride
● A presentation tool that enabled HHS leadership to share the plan confidently with internal and external audiences
● Validated collaboration and positive feedback from all stakeholder groups, including Indigenous advisors, internal communications teams, and executive leadership
● A product that supports HHS’s reconciliation goals, incorporating traditional teachings, respect for Indigenous ways of knowing, and institutional rigour and accessibility