Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

In Canada, the incidence of dementia among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations is projected to increase by 273% by 2050, in comparison to 187% among non-Indigenous populations. Dementia care, encompassing prevention, assessment, and post-diagnosis care, must recognize, respect, and reflect the unique needs, beliefs, and practices of Indigenous peoples to be culturally safe. Approaches to dementia care within Indigenous communities must also reflect a collaborative approach that fosters community development and self-determination. This community-based project, in partnership with a regional First Nations-led organization in Northwestern Ontario, aims to examine the meaning of dementia, beliefs and experiences related to prevention, assessment, and post-diagnosis care among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples living in Northwestern Ontario, and the existing community-based resources that can facilitate improved care. This winter, guided by local healthcare workers, we will conduct knowledge-gathering circles with 40 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit adults with an interest in, personal living experience of, or experience supporting others with dementia. Data will be analyzed in the spring using a community-based approach. The anticipated outcomes of this research will help to identify the meaning of dementia and care among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Northwestern Ontario while documenting existing resources that can facilitate dementia care. It may also help inform future research to address dementia in this region, with potential applications beyond Northwestern Ontario.