Preventing cancer through Métis cultural revitalisation: a community-based participatory framework developed with...

The Canadian Métis population experiences higher cancer rates, leading to reduced life expectancy. Culture is vital to Indigenous health, offering belonging and improving well-being. This community-based study aimed to create a framework for cancer prevention based on Métis Cultural Continuity that can be adapted for use in other Métis communities.

Participants were recruited from seven Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) cultural events held between June 2022 and March 2023, during which researchers engaged in Métis cultural activities (eg, beading, hide tanning). Semistructured telephone interviews with 24 MN-S citizens (12 men, 12 women) were analysed using the Collective Consensual Data Analytic Procedure, enabling the diverse Research Advisory Committee members to identify main categories.

Key themes included colonisation and its impacts, community, cultural revitalisation, strength and pride. Participants highlighted the profound effects of colonisation on their lives and communities while celebrating the resilience and solidarity that define the Métis community. These themes were used to develop a Métis Cultural Revitalisation Framework for Cancer Prevention, rooted in the symbolism of the Red River Cart, which is a significant cultural emblem for the Métis people. Each theme was conceptualised as a spoke of the cartwheel, playing a vital role in ensuring both stability and progress for the cart and the Métis community.

For the Métis community, strong cultural connections are essential for fostering a sense of belonging, reducing risk behaviours and promoting both mental and physical well-being. These factors are vital for achieving a healthy lifestyle and can contribute to health promotion.