Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

First Nation adults aged 50 and older make up about twenty percent of the population living in First Nation communities nationally. Increasing age, a risk factor for Alzheimer disease and related dementias, will contribute to 4.6 times increase in the number of First Nation peoples on-reserve being treated for dementia, rising from 539 in 2006 to 2,474 in 2031. Rationale: Community-based research offers the opportunity to include First Nation older adults as co-researchers as we build on values of aging at home and in First Nations communities. Drawing on the values of the Anishinabek, this community-based participatory action research project will aim to answer the research questions: What is an age-and-dementia friendly community model from the perspective of Anishinabek people in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Ontario? What are the perceived strengths, opportunities, and gaps in applying the model in current provincial and federal policy and funding structures? Method: The Gaataa'aabing visual research method is a culturally safe Anishinaabek adaptation of the photovoice method, which will be used to bring together 10 older adults from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek over 12 months to discuss the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for aging well in their community. We will seek to include male and female adults, aged 55 or older with 1) memory loss, 2) mild cognitive impairment, or 3) dementia and their caregivers; as well as older adults who do not have memory loss. Implications: This research aims to identify the lived experiences of the participants and develop an Anishinabek model of an age-and-dementia friendly community. In addition, we will seek a resolution from the Anishinabek Chiefs in Assembly to support the implementation and policy development of an age-and-dementia friendly community model.