(Updated March 2, 2026)
By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a newly-renovated entrance for St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon was held Jan. 28, bringing together government officials, hospital and health care leaders, as well as community and faith representatives.
The ribbon was cut by Elder Nora McAdam after a program of greetings and remarks by a number of special guests, which opened with prayers and reflections by Elders Peter Gardipy and McAdam. Fr. Gerard Cooper of the Cathedral of the Holy Family brought greetings from Bishop Mark Hagemoen and led a prayer to bless the new facilities.
Elders Peter Gardipy and Nora McAdam opened the program to mark the grand opening of a newly renovated entrance for St. Paul’s Hospital, which includes an Indigenous Healing Centre. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Improved access and a new Indigenous Healing Centre
The Catholic hospital’s main entrance renovation includes a new accessible main entrance with a covered drive and drop-off area for patients, a bright and welcoming foyer, and a new Kikâwînaw wîki Healing Centre. Cree for “Our Mother’s Home,” that will offer space for reflection and Indigenous cultural ceremonies.
The expanded entrance also includes additional washrooms, a spacious gift shop, and relocated patient registration, visitor information and protective services areas.
An accessible entrance with a covered drive and drop-off area is now open at the main entrance of St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A new Kikâwînaw wîki Healing Centre opened adjacent to the newly-renovated entrance at St. Paul’s Hospital. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
In a press release about the opening, the government of Saskatchewan said its investment was $14 million toward the project with additional contributions of $3.775 million from St. Paul’s Hospital (Grey Nuns) of Saskatoon, and $600,000 from St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.
“We are excited to see the opening of the newly renovated front entrance at St. Paul’s Hospital, where patients, staff and visitors will have safe and convenient access to the facility,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said.
“This renovation demonstrates our government’s commitment to putting patients first and ensuring everyone in Saskatchewan has access to high-quality health care where and when they need it.”
Jeremy Cockrill, Minister of Health (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Cockrill added: “It also recognizes the needs of the broader communities we serve, including right here on the west side.”
SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Sean Wilson said that the new front entrance enhances safety, accessibility and the overall experience for everyone as a “welcoming, inclusive and culturally responsive environment for patients, staff and visitors of St. Paul’s Hospital.”
Sean Wilson, Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Message from bishop
“There’s a great mystery when we come through these doors,” observed Fr. Gerard Cooper “We are transformed, our lives calmed, and we are not alone, when a community – our community – cares for us,” he said, before sharing scripture and a prayer of blessing. He also brought greetings and read a message on behalf of the bishop of Saskatoon.
Fr. Gerard Cooper spoke on behalf of Bishop Mark Hagemoen and led a prayer of blessing for the newly-renovated facilities at St. Paul’s Hospital. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskaton News)
In his written message for the celebration, Bishop Mark Hagemoen acknowledged the Sisters of Charity of Montreal – the Grey Nuns – who founded St. Paul’s Hospital in 1907. “I join with all of you in being grateful for their vision and service over many years here in Saskatoon and the Province of Saskatchewan whereby St. Paul’s Hospital has provided exceptional medical care and support of the physical, mental, and spiritual requirements and needs of very many.”
The bishop noted that the rebuilt and redesigned entrance of St. Paul’s Hospital responds to the special needs and features of the neighbourhood as well as to the TRC Calls to Action in providing “expanded spiritual care services to include the presence and service of Indigenous care providers for Indigenous clients who come to St. Paul’s Hospital for medical care and support.”
Derek Miller, CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority also noted that projects such as the new Kikâwînaw wîki Healing Centre are another step on the road to reconciliation. “Spaces like this are an important step forward as we move towards reconciliation, among all peoples who live together in this province.”
Derek Miller, CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The improved entrance provides improved accessibility and safety, Miller said. “Not only physical, safety, but also psychological, social, emotional, and cultural safety.”
Lecina Hickey, CEO of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation said: “At St. Paul’s, we believe that care begins the moment you walk through the door. That first impression sets the tone for healing, shaping how safe, welcomed, and connected people feel as soon as they arrive.”
Lecina Hicke, CEO of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Hicke added: “This project reflects a deeply integrated partnership between St. Paul’s Hospital and the Foundation, working together for good through a shared mission, shared vision, and shared accountability to the community that we serve.”
St. Paul’s Hospital Executive Director Carrie Dornstauder, and Jennifer Ahenakew of SHA First Nations and Metis Health, also spoke at the opening ceremony, noting in particular the history, planning and thought that went into the Indigenous Healing Centre.
Jennifer Ahenakew, the Vice President of First Nations and Métis Health for the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Carrie Dornstauder, Executive Director of St. Paul’s Hospital (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Ahhenakew stressed that the new Kikâwînaw wîki Healing Centre space is “not only symbolic but practical… a place that will be used, honoured and protected.”
She noted that the Healing Centre name meaning “Our Mother’s Home,” chosen under the leadership of Elder Nora McAdam, is a powerful reminder that all are “held in the womb of Mother Earth who nourishes us in different ways,” and that we are called to receive the gifts of creation with gratitude and responsibility. “Elder Nora also reminded us that no matter where we come from we are one family on this earth.”
Dornstauder affirmed that relationship and healing is at the heart of reconciliation, and the mission of St. Paul’s Hospital. “As a Catholic facility, we remain committed to the healing of the mind, the body, and the spirit, and uphold the dignity of every person who comes through our doors,” she said.
“Being rooted in that tradition also means being rooted in truth and in reconciliation. The ceremonial room and community nook are not just additions to our mission, they are an expression of it,” she said.
Corey Miller, CEO of Emmanuel Health, which oversees Catholic health facilities in the province, was the final speaker. “Today is a strong example of what is possible when organizations come together with a shared purpose and trust,” he said, noting the project has been realized because “a true spirit of collaboration has happened, one grounded in alignment, partnership, and a deep commitment to holistic care.”
Corey Miller, CEO of Emmanuel Health, which oversees Catholic health facilities across the province. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Cabinet Minister and MLA Ken Chevaldayov was MC for the opening celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Smiles all round after the ribbon-cutting by Elder Nora McAdam. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that has stood at St. Paul’s Hospital for more than a century is featured near the newly-renovated front entrance. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.
Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.