Thesis Defence: “I Wouldn’t Want to be Anywhere other than Esk̓ét”: Exploring Esk̓étemc Ways of Caring for One Another & the Nav-CARE Intervention
March 20 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cara Basil, supervised by Dr. Barbara Pesut & Doreen Johnson, will defend their thesis titled “‘I Wouldn’t Want to be Anywhere other than Esk̓ét’: Exploring Esk̓étemc Ways of Caring for One Another & the Nav-CARE Intervention” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Community Engagement, Social Change, and Equity theme.
An abstract for Cara Basil’s thesis is included below.
Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Please email barb.pesut@ubc.ca to receive the Zoom link for this defence.
ABSTRACT
First Nations Peoples in Canada are the fastest growing population in the country, inherently self-determining Peoples, and yet, experience significant health inequities that impact health and healthcare service delivery such as palliative and end-of-life care. These inequities are prominent in First Nations communities and require further exploration of community-based and determined solutions.
This research study, based in a distinct Indigenous ways of knowing and being, sought to understand how a current volunteer model of navigation, Nav-CARE, may be adapted to or suitable for Esk̓étemc. The research was conducted with an Indigenous Research Methodology, Knucwentwécw, and guided by a Research Agreement that encompassed key principles and processes for Indigenous-led Research. Data collection occurred in Esk̓étemc through three Talking Circles.
Esk̓étemc shared their stories of living with or caring for a loved one with advanced chronic illness. Through the sharing of stories, significant findings emerged that both align with and contribute to improving Indigenous palliative care practices. First, Esk̓étemc practices and protocols for caring for one another are critical to palliative and end-of-life care but remain impacted by colonial legacies. These findings emphasize the importance of traditional practices, persons remaining in community and the lack of culturally appropriate care. Second, A comprehensive, community-based and funded navigation team is necessary to support Esk̓étemc and address current gaps in care and caring for one another. This model needs to address jurisdictional barriers, healthcare standards, and patient navigation. Finally, the re-establishment of community roles and practices are essential to a community-based model of palliative care. The involvement of family and community are foundational to this community-based model.
The findings of this thesis are fundamental to and contribute to a significant area of research, as well as the topic of Indigenous-led research overall. A proposed framework is shared to support other First Nations or Indigenous Nations to embark on a similar process to uphold their sovereignty for the health and wellness of their Peoples in the context of palliative and end-of-life care. In addition, support the development of First Nations Principles or standards for palliative and end-of-life care in Canada. This research, led by Indigenous Peoples, is critical to all First Nations health governance systems transformation.
