Our History
Our History
Did You Know…
Kateri Memorial Hospital Center (KMHC) opened in 1905 as Kahnawà:ke’s first charity-funded hospital.
Before KMHC, boats would be sent across the river to Lachine or Montreal, bringing doctors to and from the community. Our first Indigenous doctor, Dr. Patton, owned a private practice on the reserve that was not subsidized by the government.
His patients paid what they could out of pocket. The need for healthcare in Kahnawa:ke was dire, and so a non-local philanthropist opened KMHC for our people. She would provide funding as well as the services needed.
Present Day
Eventually, the original funder would declare the hospital’s closure due to financial issues in 1955.
However, KMHC remained open thanks to local volunteers, including volunteer nurses, until the Band Council (MCK) began to provide support in the 1960s, using government subsidies.
Kahnawa’kehró:non were no longer required to pay for medical services, and the hospital expanded to what it is today – thanks to hard work and dedication
Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre Tehshakotitsèn:tha’ 1905-2005: Our History Through the Eyes of Kahnawa’kehró:non
This book commemorates the 100-year history of the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (1905–2005). It provides a detailed account of the hospital’s origins, challenges, and milestones, highlighting its transformation into a modern healthcare facility. The book captures the resilience and dedication of the Kahnawake community through personal stories, historical records, and photos. It’s both a tribute to the people who built and sustained KMHC and a valuable resource for understanding its cultural and historical significance.
