Beginning the journey into the spirit world
Giving of thanks
Beginning the journey into the spirit world: First Nations, Inuit and Métis approaches to palliative and end-of-life care in Canada was made possible by a collaboration between the Partnership and an Indigenous management consulting company (Turtle Island Consulting Services Inc.). In addition to this report, other knowledge products (presentation materials and infographics) were developed that recognize diverse learning styles that readers can use to find out more about this important topic.
All of the knowledge products developed for this project were peer reviewed by individuals with experience and knowledge of palliative and end-of-life care. The peer reviewers represented voices and perspectives from First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and non-Indigenous allies across Canada which reinforces the “braiding” (harmonizing) approach to palliative and end-of-life care that will be further explored in this report.
The peer reviewers ensured that this report and the accompanying knowledge products are timely, relevant, reader friendly, accessible and culturally congruent in nature.
Indigenous approaches to palliative and end-of-life care are for, by and about First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. They are about healing and helping the whole person (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual), not just the physical self.
The Beginning the journey into the spirit world: First Nations, Inuit and Métis approaches to palliative and end-of-life care knowledge products were created in a way that involved collaboration and modelled the “nothing about us without us” philosophy. Readers are encouraged to develop and implement palliative and end-of-life care programs using this co-development approach.
Name
Anonymous reviewers
Marygalak Ashoona Bergin, BA (Psychology)
Alexander Kmet, MD, CCFP (FPA) (PC)
Laura McCormick, PSW
Sherry Metcalfe
Jeffrey Moat, B. Comm, CM
Amy Montour, BScN, MSc, MD, CCFP (PC)
Tanya Nancarrow, MSc
Sophie Pamak, RN, CCHN(C)
Elder Ella Paul
Chrystal Toop, RSSW
Elyse Tratt
Lisa Vaughn, RN, MN
Erica Williams
Heritage
–
Inuk
Métis Nation of Alberta
Northern European
Inuk; family from Nain, Nunatsiavut
Scottish-Canadian
Haudenosaunee, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory
Cornish/Scottish/Irish
Inuk
Mi’kmaw
Anishinaabekwe, Pikwakanagan First Nation
Canadian of French and Unknown Heritage
Métis Nation of Alberta
Gitxsan Nation
Name
Cara Bablitz, BSc, MD, CCFP (PC)
Don Caverley, MSW, LTCOM
Natasha Caverley, PhD, CCC
Tanya Gadsby, BFA
Tom Spetter, Visual Arts (Dipl)
Madeline Walker, PhD
Heritage
Métis Nation of Alberta
Algonquin/Irish; Whitney and Area Algonquins
Algonquin/Jamaican/Irish; Whitney and Area Algonquins
Māori/Ukrainian/Scottish
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
German/English/Mixed European
The Partnership also extends gratitude to Indigenous and non-Indigenous healthcare organizations; First Nations, Inuit and Métis Elders, Knowledge Carriers; and community health professionals and researchers who have and continue to be committed to collaboration and engagement alongside our organization on the topic of palliative and end-of-life care. The Partnership appreciates their ongoing commitment to advancing timely, accessible and culturally congruent palliative and end-of-life care strategies and resources across Canada.
Thank you for sharing stories, experiences and wisdom with us.