Revitalising strong cultural connections and resilience: Co-designing a pilot Elder-led mentorship program for Indigenous mothers in a remote northern community in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Connecting with traditional knowledge and culture promotes the well-being of Indigenous parents and creates healthy environments for child development. Community Elders in a remote northern community in Alberta, Canada, collaborated with researchers to design a pilot Elders Mentoring Program. The programme aims to support young Indigenous mothers(-to-be), bringing back cultural traditions and teachings. Twelve workshops for Indigenous mothers(-to-be) focused on cultural activities and passing down traditional knowledge from Elders. Nine mothers(-to-be) completed a survey about their perinatal and postpartum experiences and care needs. Sharing circles with Elders and individual debriefings with mothers were conducted to understand their experiences in the workshops. Survey responses showed limited childcare services and transportation availability as barriers to accessing perinatal and postpartum support. Four themes emerged from qualitative data analysis: (1) the meaningful role of Elder mentorship for Indigenous mothers(-to-be); (2) Weekly workshops provided a safe space to share and develop relationships; (3) Participation in workshop activities fostered positive coping and improved self-esteem; (4) Elder-led workshops encouraged cultural connection and transference of traditional knowledge to younger generations. Cultural workshops led by Elders enhanced the connection to culture and resilience for Indigenous mothers and expectant mothers in a remote northern community.

Keywords

• Indigenous Peoples
• pregnancy
• maternal health
• Elder mentorship
• culture
• SDG 3: Good health and well-being