To get a different perspective on this topic,
I interviewed Terrance Bernard of Eskasoni, NS. who is also a 4th year Mi’kmaq nursing student at Cape Breton University.
This interview covers the aboriginal aspect and importance of health, and the importance of aboriginals in healthcare.
What is your perspective of health?
“My view of health in terms of the umbrella term which would cover the aspects of physical, spiritual, emotional and mental health. Health is a holistic concept, it’s not just one factor that determines your health it’s depends on a multi-directional concepts that require balance.”
Being Mi’kmaq, do you think you have a different view of health?
“As a Mi’kmaq, I find there is a greater emphasis on the spiritual aspect of health versus other aspects such as physical and mental.
As a nursing student, do you think your definition of health changed throughout the years?
“Definitely, you sort of bend over backwards to memorize what the definition of health is in order to get it right on your exams. So throughout the years my definition has definitely changed from a holistic to more of a medical model .”
Do you think there should be more aboriginals in healthcare?
“Yes, yes, yes and yes!, Currently aboriginals are the fastest growing population in Canada. We need more aboriginals in healthcare to meet this growing need. Most aboriginals understand the importance of providing culturally sensitive care to all populations, because we know that’s how we would like to be treated. Another reason is being able to understand and speak to Mi’kmaq patients, I find when you provide care in your language it alleviates the anxiety experienced by the patient with hospitalization.”
Do you feel that more aboriginal nurses should work within their communities?
“Yes and no, initially new graduates should work in hospital to gain skills and experience before working in community. Because if they were to ever face something that is normally not dealt with in community they would have the skills and experience to deal with those situations.”
How would you get other Mi’kmaq people interested in the healthcare field such as nursing?
“We are living examples, we are in our fourth and final year of this program. Just succeeding in this program alone, we are acting as role models for our communities. Another interesting fact is that most universities have seats reserved for First Nation students. If you think you have any thoughts about entering the healthcare field there is no harm in applying.”
This is unfortunately my final blog post, it was a pleasure educating others about my own people.
If you have any questions regarding the nursing program you can email me at a.sylliboy@gmail.com
also If you have an interest in nursing you can apply at Cape Breton University, the deadline is February 2015
Two-Eyed Seeing for Health 