On March 7th 2012 iCON partnered with UBC’s Division of Aboriginal Health to present a second Learning Circle Session. This time iCON was joined by experts Dr. Lee Brown from UBC’s Institute of Aboriginal Health, Dr. Health McDonald from the Seabird Island Band Health Department and Mobile Diabetes Clinic, Ida John who is Elder from the Sto:lo Nation, as well as a dietitian and traditional healer, and health workers and community members from 10 communities around BC to discuss the way that chronic disease affects their communities, areas and problems which need to be addressed and potential solutions for some of these challenges.
Dr. Heather McDonald spoke about the biomedical focus of the current health care system and the gap that can be caused when the social and spiritual aspects of wellness are ignored. She also discussed the need for health strategies which focus on community support and which respect relationships in Aboriginal communities.
Ida John spoke about the health challenges brought on by moving away from a traditional lifestyle, as well as the health problems brought on by living circumstances in many reserve communities. A need to focus on preventative care, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual healing as well as the value offered by a traditional lifestyle was a highlight of her presentation.
Dr. Lee Brown was the last expert panelist to speak. He discussed the role that both western and traditional medicine have to play in the care of Aboriginal patients and the need for a policy to allow these two streams of care to coexist and support each other. He also talked about knowledge sharing and protecting the knowledge of Elders, especially with regards to health care.
After each panelist gave their brief presentation everyone else attending was invited to share their thoughts and experiences. It was a great discussion and a wonderful opportunity for knowledge sharing so we would like to thank everyone who attended for taking part and sharing your wisdom with the group!
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