The main area of focus for the three proposed events is to explore the diverse perspectives of population and aging, particularly as it relates to aging transitions for Indigenous Elders living on reserve. Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of knowing are foundational to ensure event facilitation is culturally relevant to the participating communities. Engagement approaches will be guided by local community organizations to ensure respectful and culturally safe approaches throughout the engagement processes.
1) The proposed engagement event with Indigenous Elders and their families living on reserve will be an in-person engagement session taking place at the Sexqeltqin Health and Community Centre. It will be a 3-hour session that includes dinner and facilitated focus group discussions. The anticipated outcomes include a) explore Indigenous perspectives on population and aging
within community, b) explore concept and impact of preserving connection to the land, to family and community, and to health systems, b) explore facilitators and barriers to aging in community.
2) The proposed event with health care providers involved in the provision of care to these communities will be an in-person engagement session at the Sexqeltqin Health Center. It will be a 2-hour session with focus group discussions. The anticipated outcomes include a) explore facilitators and barriers to aging in community, b) explore current context, identified needs, and opportunities for improving mechanisms that support for aging within Indigenous communities.
3) The proposed event with the Secwepemc Indigenous Health Directors will be an in-person engagement session held at their Provincial meeting venue (TBD). It will be a 1-2 hour focus group discussion. The anticipated outcomes include a) explore facilitators and barriers to aging in community, b) explore current context, identified needs, and opportunities for improving mechanisms that support for aging within Indigenous communities.
The primary purpose of these engagement events is to support local Indigenous communities in better understanding and addressing community-identified needs related to aging within these same communities. Data gleaned from these engagement events may also be used to support advocacy efforts with local, health authority and provincial health and social systems to increase initiatives that improve approaches to aging within Indigenous communities.