Indigenous End-of-Life Doula Course: Bringing the Culture Home


 Many Indigenous people who live on their traditional territory die in hospital when preference is to enter the spirit world from home. Canada describe experiencing many barriers that prevent them making this final choice life. The First Nations Health Authority British Columbia (BC), Canada, collaboration with Douglas College, offered end-of- life doula training classes BC 2019. goal was build strengths of community members already supporting and families during journey into world. There were 86 participants (72% identified as Indigenous) five health regions BC, representing 47 communities. Participants overwhelmingly satisfied five-day course planned take new learnings back community. It noted, however, would benefit adaptations, including a greater emphasis practices, facilitation tips, strategies support through loss bereavement. Furthermore, term “end-of-life doula” sometimes associated for-profit business, which counterintuitive highlighting necessity for name change. Further evaluation over next year necessary confirm makes positive difference people.