Within Indigenous cultures, caregiving is understood to be part of traditional roles and values within the collective and community responsibility to one another. Many Indigenous people, therefore, may not see themselves as a caregiver. Instead, they are a family member, friend, or community member doing what needs to be done to provide wholistic support. This includes supporting people’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical needs.
Over the past two years, Hannah – OCO’s regional lead in Northern Ontario – has been working with the Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health at Lakehead University, as well as Indigenous leads, elders and community members to adapt the I Am A Caregiver Toolkit to a culturally appropriate resource for Indigenous people who are providing care.
Hannah’s journey into Indigenous cultural awareness is more than just a professional endeavor; it’s a heartfelt commitment to fostering greater understanding of the experience of Indigenous Peoples.
Growing up spending summers in Northern Ontario, Hannah was exposed to Indigenous culture in a way that many people are not. Her childhood visits to museums and burial grounds, along with her family’s engagement with Indigenous communities, laid the groundwork for a profound connection. Yet, it was her teenage experience that truly deepened her understanding. Her mother illustrated a book by an Indigenous author, which became more than just a project—it was a bridge to a lifelong relationship. Larry Loyie, the author, not only enriched Hannah’s knowledge but also became a mentor who left an indelible mark on her and her family.
“I was aware of residential schools from a young age,” Hannah recalls. “Knowing Larry went through that made it incredibly real for me. His teachings and the warmth of his spirit ignited a passion in me to learn more and be an ally.”
Hannah’s dedication continued through her social work education and early career, where she encountered firsthand the disparities faced by Indigenous individuals. At OCO, Hannah saw an opportunity to integrate her insights into a broader initiative. The organization recognized that caregiving practices vary across cultures, and there was a pressing need to co-develop supports for Indigenous caregivers.
Hannah’s work underscores a broader lesson: the importance of acknowledging and addressing the unique needs of all caregivers. For Indigenous caregivers, this means recognizing the historical and ongoing impacts of systemic inequalities and integrating these considerations into caregiving support.
“If we ignore Indigenous perspectives, we miss a crucial piece of the caregiving landscape,” Hannah explains. “At OCO we validate all caregivers’ experiences and are taking meaningful steps to ensure we represent them accurately and respectfully.”
This approach is a stepping stone towards a more inclusive and empathetic caregiving environment. September 30th is Truth and Reconciliation Day – a day to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools and reflect on how we can all find meaningful ways to action the 94 recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Learn more about OCO’s resources created for the Indigenous Community.
Download the Toolkit
