Dialogues for Promoting Indigenous Spirituality and Culture
Aging with Dignity
Canada’s aging population is putting growing strain on healthcare systems, but for Indigenous seniors, the challenges run much deeper.
While new programs are emerging to support seniors across the country, many fail to reflect the cultural realities and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous Elders carry generations of knowledge, however they often face their later years in systems that don’t see or honour them. The lasting impacts of residential schools, such as loss of language, disconnection from family, and deep mistrust of institutions, combine with systemic barriers like racism in healthcare and limited access to culturally appropriate services. The result is a gap in care that can lead to poorer health outcomes, isolation, and an erosion of dignity in aging. Ensuring Indigenous seniors receive care that respects their culture, history, and needs isn’t just a health issue, it’s key to reconciliation.
Indigenous not-for-profit, Oasis Society, is introducing its newest offering; Oasis Connects. This new initiative fills a gap in the space of senior care and intends to uplift the emotional and spiritual health of Indigenous seniors in long-term care (LTC) facilities. By providing culturally enriching services such as workshops on beading, drum-making, weaving and more, Oasis Connects addresses the growing social isolation of Indigenous seniors and ensures there is accessible, culturally relevant care to support them.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is providing funding to support wages and program costs, ensuring workshops are offered by Knowledge Keepers and relevant care experts. This unique support will helo Indigenous seniors in LTC facilities feel connected and respected. The legacy and trust the Oasis Society has cultivated within the community is unparalleled, and the IRF is proud to be part of its newest program.
This project will be delivered in collaboration with participating LTC facilities. Seven facilities are currently engaged, with six more expressing interest in the first year alone. This funding is essential to expanding the reach of Oasis Connects, enabling the onboarding of waitlisted facilities and supporting at least 20 additional Indigenous seniors and Elders each year.
Diocese of Victoria
