Indigenous peoples face a range of barriers to accessing health care, and by extension, dementia care. Accessing dementia care is also impacted by the diversity within Indigenous cultures and communities, which creates many different understandings of what dementia is, what it might look and feel like and how to support someone living with such changes.
This National Indigenous History Month, we are highlighting our ‘Sharing Circle’ Support Group for care partners in Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation, run by Dan Bourrier, Interlake/Eastern Regional Coordinator.
The ‘Sharing Circle’ offers care partners the opportunity to meet and learn from others in a safe space where they can share stories, laugh and help each other, with a focus on the unique experiences of caring for someone living with dementia in an Indigenous community.
“I hope to build trust between the Society and Indigenous communities and look forward to understanding how we can benefit from each other’s teachings and perspectives to help those on their path of caring for loved ones,” says Dan. “I believe that having someone with Red River Métis heritage helps bring a level of trust that would otherwise be lost in conversation.”
In the spirit of learning from Indigenous voices and experiences, Dan created the group in partnership with the Sagkeeng Health Centre and is continually exploring ways to improve the group to better meet the needs of the community.
For more information on the Sharing Circle or to register, reach out to Dan at [email protected] or 431-323-5275.