Parents’ Perceptions of Their Children’s Experiences With ...
Through the eyes of children: First Nations children’s perceptions of health
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Transcript of Through the eyes of children: First Nations children’s perceptions of health
Through the eyes of children: First Nations children’s perceptions of health
Kyla English, MSc. CandidateUniversity of Western Ontario
In partnership with the Southwest Ontario
Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC)
Co-Supervisors: Dr. C.A.M. Richmond & Dr. D. Rudman
May 2014
Background Information
First Nations children face health disparities
Cultural Identity “a complex of features that together
shape how a person thinks about herself or himself as an Aboriginal person” (RCAP, 1996, p. 523)
enhanced through traditional teachings and cultural activities
Little exploration of First Nations children’s perceptions of health
(Gracey & King, 2009; Greenwood & de Leeuw, 2012; Isaak & Marchessault, 2008; King, Smith, & Gracey, 2009; RCAP, 1996)
Research Objectives
1)To understand how First Nations children think about their health, with an emphasis on the activities connected to health
2)To explore how these children connect health and culture
Community-based Participatory Research:
Working with the CommunityPicture on Left
Top (left to right): Debbie Rudman, Kyla English, Melanie Knott, Nancy Noganosh, Hannah Tait-Neufeld, Summer Bressette, Carlene Mennen, Cindy Smithers Graeme
Bottom (left to right): Chantelle Richmond, Jocelyn Shutt, Liz Akiwenzie
Missing: Doug George, Brian Dokis
Picture on Right
(Left to right): Erik Mandawe, Kylie Bressette, Summer Bressette, Kyle Dolson, Kyla English, Keesis Nadjiwon, Cindy Smithers Graeme
Missing: Marley Fisher
Bimaadiziwin Learning Experience (BLE)
• August 19 – 23, 2013• 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Located at GLC• Free of charge
• Lunch and snacks provided • Cultural activities• Research activities• 4 Research Assistants
Study Participants
20 First Nations children
10-12 years old
Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Walpole Island First Nation
All were participants in the BLE
Research ActivitiesData Collection
1) Painting • Monday morning • “What does being healthy look like to you?”
2) Sharing Circles• Monday afternoon • 4 circles, 4-5 children per circle
Data Analysis• Inductive thematic analysis
Findings: Eating healthy foods
Findings: Being active
Findings: Cultural symbols
Discussion Points
Being Outside
Outside viewed as healthy environment
Children enjoyed outdoor activities
Importance of Relationships
Family, friends influenced perceptions of health
Parents viewed as role models, important sources of health information
Grandparents viewed as important sources of cultural knowledge
Living Between Two Cultures
Ideas of health largely centered around food and exercise
Children struggled to verbalize connection between health and culture
Learning Through Doing
Indigenous Knowledge largely gained through experience
Children demonstrated preference for hands-on learning
(Richmond, 2014)
Involve community members, especially grandparents and Elders, in design and delivery
Bring children out on the land
Provide opportunities for hands-on learning
Incorporate Western and First Nations ways of knowing and ideas about health
Implications for Health Promotion
“...Recognizing multiple ways of knowing and being in the world is fundamental to effective research and effective health care practice with and for Aboriginal peoples”
(Greenwood & de Leeuw, 2012, p. 7)
Thank you.
References1. Gracey, M., & King, M. (2009). Indigenous health part 1: Determinants
and disease patterns. The Lancet, 374, 65-75.
2. Greenwood, M.L., & de Leeuw, S.N. (2012). Social determinants of health and the future well-being of Aboriginal children in Canada. Paediatrics & Child Health, 17(7), 381-384.
3. Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. (1996). Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples: Volume 4: Perspectives and realities. Ottawa, ON: Canada Communication Group – Publishing.
4. King, M., Smith, A., & Gracey, M. (2009). Indigenous health part 2: The underlying causes of the health gap. The Lancet, 374, 76-85.
5. Isaak, C.A., & Marchessault, G. (2008). Meaning of health: The perspectives of Aboriginal adults and youth in a Northern Manitoba First Nations community. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 32(2), 114-122.
6. Richmond, C.A.M. (2014). Indigenous health (Unpublished). Western University, London ON.