Indigenous Spirituality is an Inherent Part of End of Life Care. How Can Spirituality Be Integrated with Palliative Services in Northwest Saskatchewan?

Abstract

Indigenous people in northwest Saskatchewan rely on a health care system that does not meet the spiritual needs during end-of-life care. Research indicates there is important relevance to spiritual care during end of life, for Indigenous people ceremonies are important to help the individual cross into the spirit world. This paper provides the reader with insight from a First Nations perspective of the inequalities Indigenous people of northwest Saskatchewan cope with within the current health programs. I will provide insight on how the current policies impact the inequalities Indigenous people adhere too to receive palliative care. In general, the paper provides an overview of services rendered to Indigenous people in northwest Saskatchewan compared to services offered to Indigenous people in other parts of Canada. The sources are based on documented research with various sources like the Government of Canada, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and other individual reports completed by numerous scholars. The people of northwest Saskatchewan live in a large geographical area and services are provided by two levels of governments that make it difficult to receive equal or equitable services to Indigenous people. Based on the research conducted, the current health care system discriminates towards Indigenous health care and lacks appropriate spiritual care in northwest Saskatchewan. The current health system requires an overhaul of services and supports in northwest Saskatchewan to respect First Nations inherit right to health care.