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 styles1 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 and heritage
- Anonymous reviewers
- Marygalak Ashoona Bergin, BA (Psychology), Inuk
- Alexander Kmet, MD, CCFP (FPA) (PC), Métis Nation of Alberta
- Laura McCormick, PSW, Northern European
- Sherry Metcalfe, Inuk; family from Nain, Nunatsiavut
- Jeffrey Moat, B. Comm, CM, Scottish-Canadian
- Amy Montour, BScN, MSc, MD, CCFP (PC), Haudenosaunee, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory
- Tanya Nancarrow, MSc, Cornish/Scottish/Irish
- Sophie Pamak, RN, CCHN(C), Inuk
- Elder Ella Paul, Mi’kmaw
- Chrystal Toop, RSSW, Anishinaabekwe, Pikwakanagan First Nation
- Elyse Tratt, Canadian of French and Unknown Heritage
- Lisa Vaughn, RN, MN, Métis Nation of Alberta
- Erica Williams, Gitxsan Nation
Name and heritage
- Cara Bablitz, BSc, MD, CCFP (PC), Métis Nation of Alberta
- Don Caverley, MSW, LTCOM, Algonquin/Irish; Whitney and Area Algonquins
- Natasha Caverley, PhD, CCC, Algonquin/Jamaican/Irish; Whitney and Area Algonquins
- Tanya Gadsby, BFA, Māori/Ukrainian/Scottish
- Tom Spetter, Visual Arts (Dipl), Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
- Madeline Walker, PhD, 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.
- Preferred learning styles include visual, written, auditory and multi-modal.