Supporting Indigenous Caregivers

Land Acknowledgement

The OCO carries out our work while acknowledging the Indigenous Peoples of all the lands that we are on today

While we connect through virtual platforms, we wish to invite you to reflect on the land where you are; if you are not familiar with that, you can use the Native Land Digital interactive map that tells you which traditional territory a city or town sits on.

Caregiving and Indigenous Communities

Indigenous caregivers have unique needs and perspectives that are not always met within the health care system.

They may be impacted by health disparities, related to the legacy of intergenerational trauma and the ongoing effects of colonization.

Indigenous communities may also be dealing with unique health challenges linked to disproportionately high rates of:

Suicide
Diabetes
Mental health concerns
Substance use challenges.

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis caregivers need respectful, culturally appropriate care for themselves and those they care for.

If you or the person you provide care for is Indigenous, the following resources may be helpful.

Useful Links

Indigenous Health and Community Resources

Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHACs) 
Community-led health care for First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities living both on and off-reserve.

Anishnawbe Health Toronto 
Accredited care for Indigenous clients with both western and traditional approaches to health care.

Noojmowin Teg Health Centre 
Health care services for Anishinabek people in the Manitoulin Island area.

TH&CC 
Health care services for First Nations people within the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

Wabano 
Health care services by and for Indigenous people in Ottawa.

Wikwemikong Health Centre 
Health care services by and for Indigenous people in the Wikwemikong area.

Native Women’s Association of Canada 
National Indigenous Organization for women and gender diverse Indigenous people. Download a free toolkit for caregivers: The Circle of Care Toolkit.
Health Conditions

Read: Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Indigenous Populations in Canada: Prevalence and Risk Factors by the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health

Anishnaabek Dementia Care 
Introductory resource for Anishinaabek communities seeking local and culturally relevant information about dementia.

Diabetes Canada 
Learn about diabetes in Indigenous communities.

Heart & Stroke 
Learn about how Heart & Stroke is working to improve outcomes related to heart disease and stroke in Indigenous communities.

The Indigenous Cognition & Aging Awareness Resources Exchange (I-CAARE) has compiled Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (CICA) Materials  and also works with the Indigenous Dementia Research Network to provide resources for Indigenous Peoples.
Mental Health

Aboriginal Services at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) Counselling, addictions support groups and more. 

Canadian Mental Health Association – Mental health and wellness services for Indigenous children and youth.

The Firelight Group – Indigenous-owned consulting group has compiled mental health resources for Indigenous peoples.
Information and Education

Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care  – Resources for Indigenous people needing long term care.

Virtual Hospice – Course: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training – learn how to provide culturally appropriate care for Indigenous Peoples.

National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health  – National Indigenous organization to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis public health and health equity.

Embrace Caregivers: The Indigenous view of family caregiving

Caregiving for Elders in First Nations Communities: Social System Perspective on Barriers and Challenges

Health care services for First Nations and Inuit – Learn about government home and community care programs, health services, nursing care, and support for residential school survivors.

Listen

S3 E1 | 40 min

Walking Alongside Indigenous Peoples who are Seriously Ill: Education for Community Caregivers Curriculum

What’s in this podcast:

How Michelle Jobin is joined by Holly Prince and Jessica Wyatt to discuss CERAH, a Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health at Lakehead University and discuss their experiences with caregiving and why this is so pivotal to Indigenous communities.

You might also find these pages useful.

Here are a list of suggested pages based off this topic.

Am I a Caregiver?

Supports for Caregivers

Tools for Caregivers

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