Anishinaabe healthy brain aging: traditional knowledge teachings represented in works of art

Dementia is a prevalent and growing concern among Indigenous communities. Research on the lived experience, culture, and context of the dementia journey has improved our understanding of Indigenous Peoples' experiences. This research study elucidates the deep understanding of healthy brain aging from interviews with seven Anishinaabe/Ojibwe Traditional Knowledge Sharers from Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Canada. Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach and Indigenous methodologies, researchers worked with a Community Advisory Council (CAC) to develop the study. Interviews with Traditional Knowledge Sharers were recorded, transcribed, and shared with a local Anishinaabe/Ojibwe artist for his interpretation and artistic representation of the key healthy brain aging teaching that arose from the interview. The artist developed six paintings based on these teachings for Anishinaabe/Ojibwe people, titled: Perseverance, Anishinaabe Cognition, Presence, Healing Step, Benevolence, and Linkages. A seventh painting was also developed, with the shared teaching of Bebaminojmat-one who goes around and shares their healing gifts. We describe these teachings and the cross-cutting themes that arose from the post-analysis. This study contributes to the field of aging by revealing cultural and philosophical concepts related to healthy brain aging specifically for Anishinaabe/Ojibwe people. The findings can be used to guide healthcare providers in supporting healthy brain aging in culturally meaningful ways and developing culturally safe health education interventions. Artistic analysis and representation proved to be an effective vehicle for exploring cultural values central to the development of programs and education aimed at addressing existing brain health disparities.