Promoting cultural safety in health care: co-developing an intervention with three Atikamekw communities in Québec, Canada
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1
Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Canada
2
Centre de Santé Masko-Siwin, Manawan, Canada
3
Centre de santé de Wemotaci, Canada
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Conseil des Atikamekw d'Opitciwan, Canada
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Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw, Canada
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A1346
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Cultural safety is a decolonizing and transformative approach aimed at achieving health care that recognizes, respects and nurtures the needs, rights and identities of Indigenous peoples. This action-research project is anchored in respectful partnerships with the Atikamekw communities of Manawan, Wemotaci and Opitciwan (Québec, Canada). It aims to co-develop an intervention model to ensure cultural security of health care offered to the Atikamekw peoples. Methods: The project uses a sequential design with successive stages of research (literature review, environmental scan, talking circles) and intervention development. An advisory committee composed of representatives from the three communities works closely with the research team to guide and orient each step of the project. The intervention model is being developed using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, allowing for the respectful integration of Indigenous and Western knowledge. Results: A model of cultural safety rooted in Atikamekw perspectives, values and knowledge has been developed by our collective. The model is based on a mapping that follows the care trajectory of Nin (the individual) and his family, starting from the contexts (family, community, organizational) where his wellness needs are expressed. Based on this mapping, it was decided that the intervention would focus on supporting Nins and the communities self-determination in relation to their care trajectory and health services, in accordance with Atikamekw values and conceptions of well-being and care. Conclusions: This research project, carried out with and by the Atikamekw Nation, exemplifies how a decolonizing approach centered on the expertise of Indigenous communities can be used to develop culturally safe interventions that respect their needs, values and cultural practices.