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Introducing

Supporting the Journey Home (SJH):

Growing the Community Bundle

to Care for those with Serious Illness

Supporting the Journey Home is an educational program designed for interdisciplinary health care providers working in a First Nations community setting.

SJH Co-Facilitators

Digital Stories

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Applications for September 2026 are now open!
Apply here

If you would like more information please email us.

Meet the Supporting the Journey Home Team

SJH Team

Our co-facilitators are passionate advocates for a palliative approach to care, bringing compassion, collaboration, and lived experience into every session of Supporting the Journey Home. As an interdisciplinary team, they draw from diverse professional backgrounds and community experiences to support wholistic, person-centered learning. Rooted in the values of dignity, connection, and equity, each facilitator contributes unique perspectives shaped by the communities they work with.

Interested in joining the SJH team as a community co‑facilitator?

Contact us

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Knowledge Broker

Kathlene Bartlett

RN, BScN,CHPCN(C)

Kathlene Bartlett is a proud band member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, a Registered Nurse, and a Certified Hospice Palliative Care Nurse Consultant with over 15 years of experience in Acute Care, Palliative Oncology, and Community health, where she specialized as a Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Consultant. Kathlene’s career path has been deeply shaped by her commitment to rebuilding a connection to her culture and advancing Indigenous health. She brings this perspective to her role as a Knowledge Broker with McMaster University’s Supporting the Journey Home initiative, where she works to bridge research and practice, ensuring access to compassionate, equitable, and culturally safe palliative care. Guided by her expertise and her cultural values, Kathlene is dedicated to empowering healthcare providers, patients, and families to navigate end-of-life care with dignity, respect, and understanding.

bartlk4@mcmaster.ca

Knowledge Broker

Bethany Bocchinfuso

MSW, RSW

Bethany is a band member of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. She is a registered Social Worker and completed her Master of Social Work in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency (MSW-ITR) at the University of Toronto in 2024. She has been a part of Supporting the Journey Home on the McMaster team for over two years. During that time, she has had the privilege of learning from other community healthcare providers and program co-facilitators, deepening her understanding of the importance of a wholistic, person-centred, and culturally appropriate palliative approaches to care.

bocchinb@mcmaster.ca

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SJH Community Co-facilitator

Laura Wilson

PSW

Palliative Care Clinical Coach, Giishkaandago’ikwe Health Services, Treaty 3 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. Laura brings over 18 years of extensive experience in various healthcare sectors and communities, including the surrounding First Nation communities. Throughout her career, she has been committed to enhancing person-centred care for all individuals she serves. She aims to inspire other healthcare professionals and community members to deepen their understanding of palliative care. Ultimately, her dedication to this work is driven by its positive impact on individuals living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

SJH Community Co-facilitator

Joanna Vautour

MSW, RSW

Joanna is a band member of Serpent River First Nation. She has her MSW-ITR from UofT. She is a facilitator for the palliative care training for front-line workers in Indigenous communities and Pallium LEAP with Lakehead University. She currently holds roles in cancer care and teaches social work education.  

SJH Community Co-facilitator

Tracy Byron

RN

Tracy is the Palliative Care Clinical Coach at Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services. With over 33 years of experience in hospitals, hospice, and community healthcare, Tracy is dedicated to advancing high-quality, holistic palliative care that supports the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of clients and families. Tracy is committed to supporting the First Nations along the North Shore of Northeastern Ontario within Robinson-Huron Treaty territory, helping to guide the ongoing development and implementation of Creator’s Care, Maamwesying’s Indigenous community-based palliative care program. Her work reflects a deep commitment to health equity, cultural safety, and ensuring that Indigenous voices and traditions shape the care provided.

Digital Stories

Digital Stories

Watch the digital stories created by some of SJH’s co-designers and co-facilitators as they reflect on what they’ve learned and taken away from the SJH educational experience.

Laura's Story

Laura's Story

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