“IT HAS BEEN THE BEST THING AND THE WORST THING”

EXPERIENCES OF INDIGENOUS HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Abstract

Introduction: Indigenous Peoples comprise approximately 5% of the Canadian population, but only 1.2% of health professionals. Research has demonstrated that rectifying these disparities has the potential to improve health outcomes for Indigenous people.

Objective: The purpose of this project is to identify and understand the barriers and facilitators Indigenous health and human service (HHS) professionals face in achieving and maintaining positions in their professions. 

Approach: A qualitative research design with a narrative approach was adopted to provide a relational understanding of Indigenous professionals’ experiences. Sharing circles facilitated by Indigenous researchers were used to gather the stories of participants.

Findings: Thirteen HHS workers attended a sharing circle. Facilitators of participant success included connection to culture and community, while barriers included geographic, structural, and financial barriers, as well as racism. These discussions led to participants developing recommendations for future change.

Conclusions: This study represents a step towards addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action to improve recruitment and retention of Indigenous HHS professionals, by identifying facilitators and barriers to their success.