The DON SCN is committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities to improve health care experiences and prevent poor outcomes associated with diabetes such as eye, foot, and kidney complications. This work includes co-designing culturally relevant information to enhance the existing foot, eye and nutrition pathways.
When collaborating with Indigenous communities, the DON SCN works to integrate western and Indigenous approaches. Learn more about this important work and our Indigenous collaborations in these videos.
Over the years, and through my own journey with diabetes, I have been acutely aware that the number of patients with diabetes is on the rise in Indigenous communities. The lack of timely diagnosis and availability of healthcare resources to Indigenous communities are important barriers that have a deteriorating impact on Indigenous people suffering from diabetes, with many developing co-morbid conditions such as kidney disease and failure, and heart disease.
I encourage a culturally safe, responsive approach focused on strengthening health systems in Indigenous communities while respecting cultural and medicinal values.
Elder & Honorary Chief Harley Crowshoe
Member of the Blackfoot Tribe from the Piikani Nation in Southern Alberta
