Community connector: Meet Janice Basque, Mi’kmaw Indigenous patient navigator

Janice Basque’s deep connection to her community has always been at the core of who she is and what she values. Now, in her role as a Mi’kmaw Indigenous patient navigator in Nova Scotia Health’s Eastern Zone, which includes Cape Breton Island, and Antigonish and Guysborough counties, Janice has an opportunity to continue to deepen her community connections while supporting people during their healthcare journey.

“My main goal in my career has always been to give back to our communities and help our people succeed,” says Janice, who is from We’koqma’q First Nation and lives in Membertou where she is raising her children with her husband. 

Until now, Janice has focused most of her career on helping students navigate post-secondary education systems — a rewarding experience rooted in building meaningful relationships.  

“Now I get to apply my skills that I gained over the years to be an advocate for people in the health system as a Mi’kmaw Indigenous patient navigator,” she says.

The navigator plays a vital role in supporting Mi’kmaq and Indigenous patients as they move through the healthcare system, helping address and overcome barriers to timely, culturally safe care.

Acting as a bridge between patients and healthcare professionals, Janice’s role is to foster understanding, trust and clear communication, ensuring patients feel respected and supported.

“All the years of working with youth and parents and being able to connect with both is really important. That connection piece, that communication and building trusting, meaningful relationships is where people feel comfortable. I feel it goes a long way.”

As a fluent Mi’kmaw speaker, Janice says the ability to connect with patients and families in their preferred language has an impact on their comfort level in the healthcare system and how they receive care. As the second Mi’kmaw Indigenous patient navigator in Eastern Zone, Janice is available to support the six First Nations communities in the region.

In addition to working directly with patients, Janice serves as a valuable resource for Nova Scotia Health clinical staff, offering guidance that supports the unique cultural needs of Mi'kmaw patients. 

“It's important for physicians and staff to know about our roles so that they can reach out to us to better understand their Mi’kmaw and Indigenous patients along with their needs,” she says. “There also may be available resources the patient may not be aware of that we can connect them with. And so, it is just as important to build meaningful relationships with physicians and staff as it is with patients and community members.”

Advocacy is a key part of the role, with a focus on ensuring patients’ cultural and spiritual needs are recognized and respected. The navigator also works closely with Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw health systems and community partners, helping to co- ordinate care and strengthen connections across services to better support Indigenous communities.

Janice says recognizing that each person has individual needs and finding a way to support them during their healthcare journey guides her approach to the role.

Patients can self-refer to the Mi’kmaw Indigenous patient navigator service, family members can reach out on their behalf, or staff and physicians can make the referral, by phone or email. Any Mi'kmaq or Indigenous person, as well as First Nation community members or healthcare providers in Eastern Zone, can contact Janice at EZMIPN@nshealth.ca or 902-574-6990.

Please visit Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigator (MIPN) | Nova Scotia Health to learn more.

Photo of Janice Basque, Mi'kmaw Indigenous patient navigator in Eastern Zone