The J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit, established in 1970, is committed to delivering health care to rural and remote areas with predominantly aboriginal populations. In addition to their clinical duties, physicians work with nurses, community health representatives and other community service workers, and are leaders in meeting the needs of each specific community.

Norway House, Churchill, and Hodgson, Manitoba and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut are staffed by full-time physicians. The First Nations communities of Island Lake, Poplar River, Berens River, Little Grand Rapids, Pauingassi, Bloodvein, Grand Rapids, and Chemawawin are visited regularly by Northern Medical Unit Family Practitioners.

University and private practice Consultants from a wide range of disciplines visit these communities on a regular rotating basis, providing comprehensive health care to these communities.

For 40 years the Northern Medical Unit has established various educational programs that focus on cross-cultural aspects of delivering community health and primary care health care.