June is National Indigenous History Month
Learn more about the impact of dementia on Indigenous communities.
We are committed to listening and learning.
National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to honour and learn about the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.
At the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, we recognize that this month is also a time for reflection on the work we do, the resources we offer, and the steps we can take to decolonize dementia support in our province.
Every person’s experience with dementia is shaped by their history, culture and community. For many Indigenous people and families, that experience carries the weight of intergenerational trauma, geographic isolation and a health care system that does not always feel safe or welcoming.
Research shows that the number of Indigenous people living with dementia in Canada is expected to increase drastically over the next few decades. In 2020, close to 1,000 Indigenous people in Manitoba were living with dementia. By 2050, this number is expected to more than double, to an estimated 2,600.
Indigenous people in Canada continue to face very real barriers to dementia care: cultural and linguistic differences, systemic racism, lack of cultural safety, stigma and the geographical distance between communities and care centres.
The support we offer is only meaningful if it reflects the realities of the people we serve. We are committed to listening to the voices of Indigenous people, families and communities facing dementia to grow our understanding of what support looks and feels like when it is truly helpful, safe and culturally grounded.
Below are a few dementia care tools and resources for Indigenous people, families, communities, or anyone looking to grow their understanding of the unique impacts dementia has across Indigenous cultures.
Indigenous dementia care tools and resources for families
Find support, learn and share.
This website provides culturally safe dementia resources and factsheets created in collaboration with Indigneous people living with dementia and their care partners.
Visit i-caare.ca
A webinar created by the Alzheimer Society of Canada and Brain Canada. Speakers include Elder Beckie Labillois, Bonnie Peigan, Dr. Pamela Roach and it is moderated by Joanna Vautour.
View video on YouTube
This page on the Native Women’s Association of Canada website talks about a few different projects that the association has been working on around dementia. This page includes a link for downloading a toolkit on caring for yourself or someone else while living with dementia.
Visit nwac.ca
This resource outlines the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease in an accessible format designed with Indigenous communities in mind, and acknowledges that dementia may be understood differently across Indigenous cultures. A downloadable poster is available in English and Cree.
Visit creehealth.org
A resource that summarizes factors contributing to palliative and end-of-life care experiences for First Nations, Inuit and Métis; highlights areas for action in palliative and end-of-life care based on priorities, gaps, challenges and needs expressed by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and communities; and identifies innovative and Indigenous community-based models of care and person-centred approaches to palliative and end-of-life care.
View this resource
The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health created this information sheet as a part of their Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit. This CCSMH infographic highlights 10 resources for care partners to support Indigenous Peoples living with dementia. The resources collected aim to share culturally appropriate and safe care practices.
View information sheet
The directory of Indigenous organizations is designed as a useful reference and
resource book to help people locate appropriate organizations and services.
View directory
Indigenous dementia resources for health care providers
Increase your knowledge of inclusive and cultrually grounded dementia care practices
In this video on Livingmyculture.ca, an initiative of Canadian Virtual Hospice, Piita Irniq talks about how he brought Inuit culture and food to a southern facility caring for Inuit Elders with dementia.
Watch video
The First Nations, Inuit and Métis Team is composed of Indigenous educators and allies who are Regulated Health Professionals with experience living and working in Indigenous communities. Education programs are firmly rooted in the values of respect, relevance, reciprocity, responsibility and relationship, ensuring meaningful and impactful learning.
View education resources
On this page you can find multiple resources on the Centre for Education and Research on Aging’s for Indigenous people in Canada.
View CERAH resources
This paper created by the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, aims to identify the challenges and burdens Indigenous Peoples in Canada face in accessing culturally safe and appropriate dementia care services and supports, and suggests ways of overcoming these challenges.
Read & download the PDF