Looking Ahead in Health Promotion

Kethra Stewart. Photo Credit: Silver and Sage Photography 2022

I am an adopted intergenerational Cree woman. In 2007, I met my biological family and better understood who I am and where I am from. When I began a family, I searched everywhere for housing when my daughter was born in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2018, the social services put us on waiting lists for a two-bedroom apartment. I applied for subsidized housing in Kelowna and was accepted for the subsidized living incentive that benefits Indigenous people with families, and we moved in 2019. We now live in a subsidized 2-bedroom apartment. I still never received a call for housing in Edmonton, Alberta. My daughter and I have housing security until she is an adult in Kelowna, B.C.

I decided to utilize this time to achieve the highest level of post-secondary education through sponsorships, scholarships and bursaries. I have taken courses in health policy courses, health issues and research in trauma with Indigenous people, socioeconomic problems, chronic health issues, and inequality issues. Since moving to Kelowna, we have been the minority, as most of our Cree people live in Treaty Six Territory. We live, work, and play among the Syilx people in the Okanagan. I have joined the local Indigenous groups that raise awareness and have an activist role in the community to promote Indigenous issues. For example, Orange Shirt Day Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Women, Residential School, the 215 children and the ongoing racism that brings systemic barriers to Indigenous nationwide.

I am particularly excited to present a health promotion plan. I am interested in preventative health care for Indigenous people and advocating for political health and policy changes to make systematic structural changes in health care for better accessibility. I am eager to contribute significantly to healthcare, utilizing my past experiences, healthcare knowledge, and leadership skills.

I have a background in emergency health, home care and people with disabilities for pediatric and geriatric populations. I also did massage therapy for Indigenous communities battling trauma, mental health, and chronic injuries and diseases. My triumphs have impacted my interest in health care through diversity, family losses, work experience in home care, palliative care, and supporting people with disabilities. 

Following my passion for helping Indigenous people and the healthcare path, I need to narrow my focus, and I am nervous about taking on a big challenge. There has already been a lot of research regarding the health of Indigenous people and a library of literature on trauma-informed care and social determinants, and I am intimidated by the vast literature (Loppie & Wien, 2009). I must determine who, what and how to apply this to actual planning, implementation and evaluation (Government of Canada, 2001).

I have made a spiritual connection to my Indigenous background and gained knowledge about cultural aspects of health care, and I want to learn more about these from a holistic perspective. My experience in academic research has enhanced my ability to provide the best health care from an educated and scholarly perspective. 

References

Government of Canada. (2001) Population Health Promotion: An Integrated Model of Population Health and Health Promotion https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/population-health/population-health-promotion-integrated-model-population-health-health-promotion/developing-population-health-promotion-model.html

Loppie Reading, C. & Wien, F. (2009). Health inequalities and social determinants of Aboriginal Peoples' health. Prince George: National Collaborating Centre. https://www.ccnsa-nccah.ca/docs/determinants/RPT-HealthInequalities-Reading-Wien-EN.pdf