A conversation on Indigenous Peoples and dementia [Video]

Dementia is a growing public health issue for Indigenous people. Research has shown that health disparities faced by Indigenous Peoples are rooted in colonization and ongoing social inequities.

These factors may also increase the risk of developing dementia for Indigenous people.

There is a clear need to take further action. On April 16, 2024, a panel met to discuss this important topic.

Speakers included:

Elder Beckie Labillois, L’nu craft maker at Ugpi’Ganjig First Nation, and an artist and educator who has shared her experience as a dementia caregiver in our latest report and in a photobook created by the Native Women’s Association of Canada

Bonnie Peigan, Assiniboine member of Carry the Kettle First Nation, and a caregiver and advocate

Dr. Pamela Roach, Métis Nation of Alberta, and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health Systems Safety at the University of Calgary, whose research addresses “cognition and brain health in Indigenous populations and other vulnerable groups.

Moderator: Joanna Vautour, Anishinaabe band member of Serpent River First Nation (Meawasige family), and Senior Research Coordinator at McMaster University

This event was part of Dementia Talks! Canada, a conversation series produced in partnership by Alzheimer Society of Canada and Brain Canada, two of the country’s largest brain-health organizations. To learn more about the series, visit alzheimer.ca/talks. If you have questions about this talk or the series in general, email [email protected].

LINKS SHARED IN THE TALK CHAT

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf

Dementia Information for Indigenous Peoples: First Nations, Métis and Inuit https://alzheimer.ca/indigenous

The Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment tool provides a more culturally appropriate way to measure thinking changes: https://www.i-caare.ca/cica

Research paper: Understanding Indigenous health inequalities through a social determinants model: https://www.nccih.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/10373/Health_Inequalities_EN_Web_2022-04-26.pdf

Beckie’s story: https://alzheimer.ca/en/faces-of-dementia-beckies-story

Toolkit: Addressing Dementia Related Stigma with Indigenous Specific Strategies: https://nwac.ca/assets-knowledge-centre/Dementia_Stigma_Toolkit_English_new.pdf

A Sacred Journey: The Long Goodbye: https://nwac.ca/assets-knowledge-centre/2-Dec-Dementia_storybook_11x8_5_new-WEB..new.pdf

For local dementia support, contact your local Alzheimer Society using the information at alzheimer.ca/find

Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging: Team 18 – Issues in Dementia Care for Indigenous Populations: http://www.ccnateam18.ca/

Indigenous Cognitive Health Program connected to Team 18 listed above: https://sites.google.com/laurentian.ca/ccna-ichp/home

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s – Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay: https://www.creehealth.org/health-tips/10-warning-signs-alzheimers

Anishinaabek Dementia Care: https://anishinaabekdementiacare.ca/

Indigenous Cognitive Health Program https://sites.google.com/laurentian.ca/ccna-ichp/home

Jana’s Story: https://alzheimer.ca/en/faces-of-dementia-janas-story

Piita’s Story: https://alzheimer.ca/en/faces-of-dementia-piitas-story