Grant: Project Grant

Menopause is a natural stage in life, but for many Indigenous Peoples in Canada, it is shaped by more than just physical changes, it is connected to identity, culture, land, and community well-being. Yet there is almost no research that reflects Indigenous women's and gender-diverse people's experiences of menopause, even though more Indigenous women are now reaching this stage of life than ever before. Without this knowledge, health systems fail to provide the care and support that Indigenous Peoples need. The ongoing impacts of colonization including, residential schools, systemic racism in healthcare, and the loss of traditional knowledge, have created additional barriers. Investing in Matriarchal Power, Access, Care and Traditional wellness (IMPACT) is a five-year Indigenous and community-led project that aims to change this by uplifting the voices and experiences of Indigenous Peoples who have reached menopause and making sure their voices inform future care and services. With guidance from an Indigenous Wisdom Advisory, our team will gather stories, experiences, and traditional wellness practices from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. We will also create a national Indigenous-led network to share information, design an Indigenous Menopause Survey to better understand access and challenges, and work with communities to develop practical guidelines for culturally safe menopause care and services. Our team includes Indigenous researchers, Indigenous community leaders, Knowledge Keepers, health providers, Indigenous trainees, and policy experts. By combining Indigenous knowledge, Matriarchal wisdom, and community leadership, this project will help make healthcare more equitable, safe, and effective. The results will support Indigenous self-determination, improve access to care, and ensure services reflect the cultural values and priorities of Indigenous Peoples going through menopause.