Indigenous Health and Colonialism

ONCOL 255 - Introduction to Oncology. University of Alberta

What was medicine initially known as before the scientific method became prevalent?

medicine was initially known as philosopy

How was Indigenous knowledge viewed in early medical history?

Indigenous knowledge was not accepted or held on equal ground, often being excluded from mainstream medicine.

What does "Indigenization" refer to in the context of knowledge?

Indigenization refers to taking a Euro-Western concept and adapting it to be more "Indigenous friendly."

What is the purpose of Indigenization?

It is a process of critiquing and resisting imperialism while upholding Indigenous knowledge.

What does a framework for decolonizing cancer treatment aim to do?

It deconstructs processes to align with the values and practices of Indigenous communities.

What does assessment redesign focus on for Indigenous patients?

It focuses on factors relevant to Indigenous patients and their communities.

What are examples of plant-based medicines used in cancer care?

Traditional teas, roots, and other plant-based remedies used to manage nausea and pain.

What is the role of healing circles in Indigenous cancer care?

Healing circles serve as a communal approach to support emotional and spiritual well-being.

What is the focus of the biomedical model in cancer care?

The biomedical model focuses on disease pathology and physical symptoms.

How does Indigenous science approach cancer care?

Indigenous science emphasizes holistic healing, interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and ancestral knowledge.

How were Indigenous peoples initially allowed to use traditional medicine in hospitals?

Indigenous peoples were first permitted to use traditional medicine in the undesired parts of the hospital.

How did the use of traditional medicine in hospitals evolve over time?

Slowly, permission was granted for traditional teas, roots, and other medicinal properties in treatment, as long as there were no interactions with prescribed medications.

What is the purpose of using the "g's" in Western medicine?

Doctors use the "g's" (e.g., garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba) to consider interactions with Western prescriptions, as these are potent substances.

Why is assessing allergies important in healthcare?

ssessing allergies is an essential measure to prevent adverse reactions, especially when considering both traditional and Western medicine together.

What is Option 1 for an Indigenous patient's treatment plan?

The Indigenous patient follows the mainstream approach (biomedical model).

What does Option 2 for an Indigenous patient's treatment plan involve?

The Indigenous patient follows an algorithm designed for outpatient treatment that includes both traditional medicine and biomedical treatment.

What does Option 3 for an Indigenous patient's treatment plan involve?

The Indigenous patient uses traditional medicine entirely and receives assessments and tests as part of outpatient treatment.

How are traditional teas and other medicines used in relation to laboratory testing?

Traditional teas and other medicines are used before blood is drawn and other tests are conducted, often within hospital lab settings.

What is needed to better understand the integration of traditional medicine in laboratory settings?

Research is needed to compare any differences and identify accommodation standards, focusing on patient experience and well-being.

How can health systems better incorporate traditional practices in clinical workflows?

Health systems can make more space for traditional practices by allowing patients to consume traditional medicine between treatment events.

Why is knowledge of traditional practice important in physician training?

It helps in changing perceptions, including overcoming previously held racist views toward traditional medicine

What is the modern term for the profession of preparing and mixing substances used in traditional medicine?

herbalist

How are plants and other earth specimens used in traditional medicine?

They are harvested, cured, stored, and prepared in the desired form for patient consumption.

What is considered an ethical violation in the context of patient treatment?

Treatment refusal is an ethical violation.

Where can physicians seek guidance on integrating traditional medicine into their practice?

Physicians can consult with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Canadian Medical Association, and the National Circle for Indigenous Medical Education.

First nations are ____% less likely to survive lung cncer five years after diagnosis even though they have similar indidence rates

35%

inuit people ar emore than ___x likely to be diagnose with lung cancer

2x

metis people are ___% less likely to surivive lung cancer after 5 years

30%

How can healthcare providers facilitate shared decision-making in cancer treatment for Indigenous patients?

By integrating traditional knowledge and clearly explaining treatment options.

What does coordinated care involve in the context of cancer treatment?

Aligning care plans with patients' cultural contexts and access to services, and utilizing patient navigators to bridge communication gaps and ensure continuity of care.

What is the role of care coordination in cancer treatment for Indigenous patients?

It is based on patients' knowledge, access to health services, and cultural contexts, helping to translate patient information for cancer treatment.

Why are more cancer patients turning to traditional and complementary medicine?

To address both curing and coping with their cancer diagnosis alongside conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

What was the goal of the Indigenous-led project by Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers of Belize?

The project aimed at enhancing traditional botanical healing by conserving medicinal plant knowledge through ethnobotanical studies and establishing a community ethnobotanical garden.

What did the ethnobotanical survey conducted by the Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers reveal?

The survey yielded 169 medicinal species, contributing unique knowledge of rainforest species in southern Belize, with high consensus among Healers on well-preserved oral history.

What was the significance of the Indigenous botanical garden established in the project?

The garden conserved 102 medicinal species, including epiphytes, and played a key role in preserving traditional knowledge and plant species.

What did the ethnopharmacological studies in the project reveal?

The studies revealed the pharmacological basis for plant use in various conditions, validating the medicinal properties of traditional botanical healing practices.

What did the project demonstrate in terms of Indigenous empowerment?

It showcased Indigenous empowerment, established traditional medicine as a vital healing practice, and provided a model for First Nations' science.

What was the focus of the research on Indigenous patients diagnosed with cancer?

The research aimed to explore the lived experiences of four Indigenous patients who integrated Indigenous traditional healing into their healing journey.

What were the four main themes that emerged from the research on Indigenous cancer patients?

The four main themes were: receiving the cancer diagnosis, seeking healing, connecting to Indigenous culture, and contemplating life's future.

What did the findings of the research indicate about the integration of Western and traditional healing methods?

The findings indicate that the patients integrated Western medicine with traditional healing methods to address their cancer, highlighting the importance of understanding and incorporating Indigenous healing practices in healthcare settings to reduce health disparities.

What was the controversy surrounding Makayla Sault’s decision regarding her leukemia treatment?

Makayla Sault, a young girl from a First Nations community in Canada, refused chemotherapy for leukemia in favor of traditional Indigenous healing practices, sparking debates about Indigenous peoples' rights to pursue their healing methods and the balance between cultural autonomy and medical intervention.

What was the outcome of Makayla Sault’s case?

Despite undergoing alternative treatments, Makayla passed away in 2015, leading to discussions on the intersection of Indigenous beliefs, medical ethics, and children's rights in healthcare decision-making.

What was the decision in the McMaster Children’s Hospital and Brant Family Case?

The court ruled in favor of the parents, emphasizing that traditional healing was a fundamental aspect of constitutionally protected Indigenous culture.

What factors contribute to Indigenous people's lower cancer survival rates compared to non-Indigenous patients?

Indigenous people are less likely to survive cancer due to later-stage diagnoses and the severity of comorbidities.

What barriers contribute to Indigenous patients' challenges in cancer treatment?

Distance and access to continuity of care are significant challenges for Indigenous patients.

What is needed in the healthcare system to improve cancer outcomes for Indigenous patients?

A new cancer strategy is needed that includes targeted Indigenous interventions. A national strategy can support agencies across provinces and territories, particularly for First Nations reserve and territorial patients treated in the closest urban facility.

What is the purpose of the Indigenous Committee (IC) for ACT, established in May 2023?

The IC is comprised of distinction-based Indigenous health experts within academia and Indigenous community organizations, aiming to guide health initiatives with Indigenous knowledge.

How do Indigenous-led clinical trials incorporate cultural relevance?

They incorporate culturally relevant frameworks, such as healing circles and community consultations, alongside Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), ensuring treatment protocols are co-developed with Indigenous communities.

What is the benefit of the dual approach in Indigenous-led clinical trials?

This approach assesses both clinical outcomes and holistic impacts, such as mental, spiritual, and community well-being, recognizing Indigenous healing’s emphasis on interconnectedness, which may reveal benefits overlooked by conventional biomedical metrics.

Combining Indigenous health practices with biomedical treatments to address physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being to can work to ….

achieve holistic care

Empower _____________ by integrating Indigenous healing practices with biomedical treatments to address physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being and achieve holistic care.

patient decision making

Foster a ____________ incorporating familiar cultural practices to provide comfort and emotional support throughout the cancer journey.

a healing environment