Supporting a Strong Circle of Care Between Primary Health and Indigenous Healing Practitioners

As a means of taking more control of their health and well-being, First Nations, Metis and Inuit community members are requesting traditional healing practices be a part of their healthcare services bundle. Action #22 of the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action supports the use of traditional medicines and practices as a fundamental Indigenous right. While health reconciliation ensures Indigenous cultural and traditional healing services are embedded within Indigenous healthcare services, greater attention is needed to ensure western and traditional healing modalities actively engage and collaborate in a strong circle of care. There are challenges and barriers that impede true collaborative approaches between two-world healthcare systems. Senior administrators within Indigenous and community-based health services can support an improved circle of care between medical and traditional practitioners through the implementation of comprehensive and carefully planned strategies.