Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how First Nation seniors who rely on wheelchairs and walkers with wheels experience participation in culturally meaningful activities in their communities. Method. A qualitative approach and purposive sampling were used to recruit participants who use wheelchairs and walkers with wheels and live in First Nations communities. Data were collected using a demographic form and a semi-structured interview. Results. Elders have an important role in the health of their communities which involves the transmission of culture to younger generations. The participants said that teaching youth the culture that they've been disconnected from gives them an identity and gives them back the self-respect that has been taken from them. Although participants related positively to their wheelchairs and/or walkers with wheels they participate less or not at all since becoming a wheeled mobility user. The decrease in participation is due to barriers such as: accessing the outdoors; negotiating exterior paths of travel; weather; transportation of self and device; accessibility at the events; stigma and burden. Conclusion. The findings show that policy changes are required regarding the allocation of funding to ensure that First Nation seniors on reserve can safely access the outdoors (ramps from their homes), safe access to sidewalks, appropriate transportation , accessibility at the events (such as doors that are wide enough and accessible bathrooms), and education to reduce stigma and feelings of burden. Transportation was the largest barrier to cultural participation.