Honouring Tradition, Supporting Healing

A cancer diagnosis can bring a journey filled with appointments, treatments and uncertainty. For Keith Hernandez, who was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer more than four years ago, it was a journey he never expected. 

Healthy and active before his diagnosis, Keith suddenly found himself navigating hormonal therapy, radiation, chemotherapy and countless appointments through the Durham Regional Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health. 

“I was overwhelmed. There were so many appointments, and I started to feel down,” he says. “Fortunately, I had the support of my family and close friends, but I knew I also needed spiritual support.” 

Keith found support through the Indigenous Navigator for the Central East Regional Cancer Program, which helped to keep him grounded while facing the challenges of his cancer journey. But he was also looking for spiritual guidance and a connection to Traditional healing. 

That led him to the Central East Regional Cancer Program’s Traditional Medicine Clinic, where he began meeting with a Traditional Healer. 

“Meeting the Traditional Healer for the first time, I wondered whether he would be able to support me. That question was answered in that first appointment,” says Keith. “He made me comfortable enough to share my medical challenges.” 

Launched in October 2024, the clinic connects Indigenous cancer patients across the Central East Region with a Traditional Healer and Knowledge Carrier, with appointments available in person and virtually. Through Traditional medicines, Ceremony, spiritual support and conversation, patients have another option to support their well-being alongside their cancer care. 

For Keith, who has been receiving support from the Traditional Healer for about two years, the experience has become an important part of his healing journey. 

“He is someone who listens calmly and gives emotional support,” says Keith. “He provides Traditional medicines and spiritual guidance while increasing my knowledge of cultural beliefs.” 

Access to Traditional Healers can be difficult, particularly for Indigenous people living in urban communities. By bringing this support into the cancer program, the clinic is helping remove a barrier to care while giving patients greater choice in how they are supported. 

The clinic’s impact has also received provincial recognition, earning a 2025 Indigenous Health Award from the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario. 

For Keith, however, its impact is personal. 

“I feel it is necessary for Indigenous patients to have access to a Traditional Healer,” he says. “Indigenous cancer patients should know that a Traditional Healer can provide physical, mental, emotional and spiritual support.” 

His experience reflects what whole-person cancer care can look like: honouring what matters to each patient and providing different ways to feel supported throughout their journey.