Anishnaabek Nanadagin: Examining the role of traditional healing within diabetes management

Abstract

The Indigenous peoples of Canada have suffered a precarious history of colonization leading to trauma from residential school experiences, health inequities resulting in poorer health outcomes and an increased burden of disease as compared to the non-Indigenous peoples. The goal of this research was to examine the role of traditional healing within diabetes management. Using Indigenous research methodology and grounding the research process in Indigenous ways of knowing, culturally safe spaces were created for participants to share. Traditional Healers and the people living with type 2 diabetes emphasize the importance of integrated care of traditional, western medical, and self-care for attaining overall wellness. Understanding the relational influence between themselves, their family, community, and ancestors was of utmost importance. Balance was achieved when mental, emotional, physical, and Spiritual aspects of self were interconnected. A conceptual model of Indigenous diabetes wellness is presented and incorporates all the representative themes of this research.