Towards culturally safe partnerships with Indigenous People Who Use Drugs

Towards culturally safe partnerships with Indigenous People Who Use Drugs (Circle Work) is an Indigenous led project that came from Impact of Health System Engagement on the Health and Well-Being of People Who Use Drugs: A Realist Review to address the distinct work and needs that Indigenous helpers have. The goal of this project is to “help the helpers” by understanding the experiences of Indigenous People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) who have partnered with the health system in various roles.

We identify unique successes and challenges Indigenous PWUD encounter in these helper roles. Our aim is to provide insights and recommendations to enhance the support available to the community.

Over the course of a year, 13 individual’s participated in 4 seasonal circles to answer:

• How do you help?

• Why do you help?

• What is your intentions?

• How do you heal?

• What supports or sustains you?

These circles were facilitated by 3 Indigenous peers, helpers, and researchers.

Study Lead: Ginetta Salvalaggio & Renee McBeth

Funding Support: CAIR, CRISM, MITAC, SSHRC, and NATRC

Status: Ongoing