First Nations Peoples' perspectives and experiences with cancer

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorHart-Wasekeesikaw, Fjolaen_US
dc.date.accessioned2009-12-08T18:57:31Z
dc.date.available2009-12-08T18:57:31Z
dc.date.issued1996en_US
dc.degree.disciplineNursingen_US
dc.degree.levelMaster of Nursing (M.N.)en_US
dc.description.abstractFirst Nations People have recently become concerned about the rising incidence of cancer in their communities. However, knowledge about First Nations Peoples' experiences with cancer is fragmented and limited in scope. To date, it is understood statistically; the psycho-social aspect of the cancer experience is absent. The purpose of this descriptive, ethnographic study was to explore the experiences of First Nations People diagnosed with cancer and Elders' perceptions of cancer. The Medicine wheel was the conceptual guide for this study. Forty six informants living in four Anishinaabe communities were interviewed using semistructured interview schedules. Content analysis of First Nations experiences with cancer occurred at various levels using three data sets: the individual with cancer, her/his family and community. The cancer experience was metaphorically characterized by "the stranger." Some examples of the themes are presented. In "The Presence of a Stranger: The Elders Speak," the Elders provided a historical perspective of the development and prevention of cancer in First Nations communities. "Becoming Aware: The Stranger in the Body" describes the informants' experiences when they sensed they had cancer. In the theme "Making The Stranger Known: The Healing Journey," the informants identified traditional Indian medicine as one way to manage cancer in their communities. Some of the findings revealed that cancer is thought to be a new disease affecting Anishinaabe. Food is considered to be the primary cause of cancer and the loss of traditional values is at the core of cancer in First Nations communities. A range of metaphors reflected First Nations Peoples' understanding about cancer. The most common metaphor used by the Anishinaabe in this study was "manitoch" which, in the Ojibwa language, Saulteaux, means cancer-as-worm. Informants suggested that Western medicine is limited in its ability to cure cancer. First Nations People with cancer consulted one or more Indian medicine healers before, during, or after obtaining medical cancer treatment. Spiritual visions and dreams were important to First Nations People. Recommendations are provided for future nursing research, education and practice.en_US
dc.format.extentxv, 294 leaves :en_US
dc.format.extent13949992 bytes
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier(Sirsi) AJR-0758en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1993/3769
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsopen accessen_US
dc.rightsThe reproduction of this thesis has been made available by authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research, and may only be reproduced and copied as permitted by copyright laws or with express written authorization from the copyright owner.en_US
dc.titleFirst Nations Peoples' perspectives and experiences with canceren_US
dc.typemaster thesisen_US
local.subject.manitobayesen_US
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
Hart-Wasekeesikaw, First Nations.pdf
Size:
13.3 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
Collections
FGS - Electronic Theses and Practica
Manitoba Heritage Theses