Question

^{Case Study 2: Mr. Matthews (Indigenous Culture)}

^{Mr. Matthew speaks with pride when discussing the health accomplishments, he has attained recently, despite some significant barriers. In the late 1990s, Mr. Mathews was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Around that time, at the age of 27, Mathew also discovered he was diabetic. Though he has been divorced for almost five years, he and his wife have recently attempted to reconcile. His wife is suffering from depression and they have two daughters and live in public housing with the support of the government. Mr. Matthews has received education on diabetes, attended teachings on medications, alternative and mainstream therapies, and participated in medicine walks and healing circles. One medicine walk was particularly interesting to Mr. Matthews, as it involved the teachings on blue fir pine trees. Mr. Matthews has also attended cooking classes, where there were four dieticians who would give different information and websites regarding healthy eating and nutrition. Mr. Matthews felt that the inclusion of an Elder in his patient journey was an important aspect of health. Mr. Matthews is happy with his lifestyle changes and proud of where he has come to in his health journey. By turning around his life routine, he has managed to give up sweets, avoid certain fruits, quit smoking, and quit drinking.}

1. ^{What are 4 recommendations by the TRCC with respect to healthcare and Aboriginals?}
2. ^{What is the purpose of healing circles and why were they banned?}
3. ^{What is the benefit of mainstream and alternative therapies?}
4. ^{Why would the inclusion of an Elder be important?}

Answer 1

1. TRCC Recommendations:

TRCC is the Truth and Reconciliation commission of Canada , organized by the parties of Indian Residential schools Settlement agreement. It will document the Truth about the Indian Residential School experience. It provides an opportunity for the aboriginals to share their stories and experience. With respect to Healthcare and aboriginals TRCC suggested 4 recommendations , they are :

i) Recommendations to the Federal Government to :

- Ensure the retention and maintanance of aboriginal Health care providers in the Aboriginal communities

- Cultural competency care should be provided to all Health care professionals

- There should be increase in number Healthcare workers, who belongs to aboriginal community.  

ii) To address the physical, emotional , mental and spiritual harm caused by the Residential schools , the Government can provide sustainable funding to the new and existing Aboriginal healing centers

iii) recognise, address and respect the distinct health needs of Aboriginals , who are not residing in reserves especially Metis and Inuit .

iv) Establish measurable health goals in order to close the health gap between the aboriginals and non aboriginals, Assess long term health needs,  publish annual progress reports and specially focus on Infant mortality rate, infant and child health issues, maternal health , mental health and addiction issues among population etc.

2. Purpose of Healing circles

Healing circles are widely used among the aboriginals of North America especially in Canada. They are also called sacred circles and is consists of people who sit together for talking, ceremony or prayer and each of the member in the Healing circle have a responsibility for the health of others, they work for each other's healing. They open and explore each other and provide a safe and acceptable environment.  

Based on Native traditional belief system, Healing circle is a process to promote healing. It includes various steps like letting go the negative feelings through ventilation of feelings, symbolical burning of a sweet grass or cedar for bringing the smoke , talking and exploring each other, laughing and humour, praying , sharing knowledge etc. Federal Government has allowed to integrate the ' talking circles or Healing circles ' into primary health care services. As many research showed that it is well working among aboriginals to promote  their healing. The system is not banned at all . It is a safe haven for the patients.

3. Benefits of Mainstream and alternative therapies:

Mainstream therapies are the traditional therapies. Alternative therapies are the therapies or medical treatments that are used instead of Mainstream therapies. Examples are faith healing, chiro practice, accu pressure, Ayurvedha, Homeopathy etc. Complementary therapies are the therapies used along with the conventional medicine. The major benefits in adopting the mainstream and alternative therapies are:

* Helps to get self motivated by the education classes and open communication within the Healing circles ( part of the traditional medicine)

* Supports the positive life style changes, such as quitting alcohol and smoking, use of certain foid items etc. Certain alternatives treatment restrict the use of alcohol and smoking or caffeine etc.

* reduces symptoms

* staying positive and feeling more in control

* Boosting immune system  

* Avoids invasive therapies

* No medicine side effects

4. Inclusion of elder:

Inclusion of an elder person in the health care journey is important and beneficial as they are have an asset if experiences . They can guide and advice in more mature way. A knowledge and wise elderly can guide a younger person more accurately in their health care management and for positive life style changes. In healing circles, the elderly has a prime role.