Widening the Circle of Care

Abstract

Caregiving has various connotations within diverse social and cultural settings. Within First Nations communities, caregiving may be understood as a central practice of reclaiming cultural identity and teachings from colonial systems of healthcare. Our community-based participatory research project explored the experiences, needs, and strengths of caregivers within the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawake in what is currently called Canada. Through a partnership with a local cancer support group and a local hospital, we recruited six caregivers to create digital stories of caring for others living with cancer in the community. We then screened and discussed the significance of the digital stories with community members at a world café event. The resulting themes of caregiving emerged from community responses: (1) gifts and teachings, (2) being there, being present, and (3) circle(s) of care. We discuss these themes and the community’s recommendations for strengthening and sustaining community-based caregiving in Kahnawake.