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Supporting northern Indigenous elders’ right to self-determination in healthcare: Stanley Mission elders’ experiences

Date

2023-04-27

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

Through a wâhkôhtowin research paradigm that upholds relationality and responsibility, this research used a case study approach to explore the perspectives of First Nation and Métis elders from Stanley Mission on their experiences with their health and healthcare services on and off reserve. A literature review identified hospital barriers and gaps in access and services, and this information was used to guide conversational interviews. I discussed the findings from the elders’ interviews in context with literature findings and information from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) website. Overall, this proposed research highlights the experiences of Stanley Mission elders and what does and does not work for them regarding their healthcare. This major and minor themes of the research centred around the Cree worldview of wâhkôhtowin, a term emphasizing notions of being related. It largely reflected findings that suggested that most of the positive care and experiences in healthcare were attributed to good access to healthcare and support from family and community. Having healthcare available in the community and provided by community members is considered imperative for elders in the north. Community health workers and health professionals see through a community-based care lens that contributes to the wrap-around wholistic healthcare service provided by the Elders Haven, a reserve-based elder care facility in Stanley Mission, SK. Although the healthcare workers and health professionals at the Haven provide outstanding healthcare to elders, this research suggests the Haven will also benefit from having more sustainable, long-term financial, and infrastructural resources. Facilities like the Elders Haven are vital for First Nation and Métis elders because of the various barriers they face when accessing hospitals. The elders' lived experiences and barriers to hospital services suggests that the health policies and jurisdictions of the federal and provincial governments, and hospitals themselves, need to better integrate to support the needs of Indigenous Peoples. Elders want and need to be able to stay close to home to receive continuing care. If elders cannot stay close to home for the care they need, they need to be made to feel welcome and safe in hospitals and other health care facilities.

Description

Keywords

First Nation, Métis, northern access to healthcare, self-determination, elders, elder care, wâhkôhtowin, relationality, kinship

Citation

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Indigenous Studies

Program

Indigenous Studies

Part Of

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DOI

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