Traditional crafting as a catalyst for Indigenous women's intergenerational cohesion and wellness: a Canadian perspective

Indigenous crafting practices are increasingly being recognised for their benefit to community connectedness, health, cultural identity, and individual wellbeing. This article explores published literature to determine the role of Indigenous crafting in transferring traditional and cultural teachings from female relatives and Elders to girls and younger women. We examine the effect of crafting on intergenerational cohesion and social connectedness within the Indigenous community. Does crafting serve as an effective conduit for physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental change in learners and teachers? Our review identifies 12 publications that describe Indigenous mostly girls and younger women's experiences as they acquire female Elders', teachers' and older family members' traditional and cultural teachings while participating in crafting activities. The papers identify an array of traditional and cultural activities including: basket weaving, beading, sewing, language acquisition, traditional songs, traditional dance, and storytelling. More contemporary forms of artistic expression such as photography, theatre and film production are also included. Research findings show that learning, teaching and practicing Indigenous crafting is associated with increased intergenerational cohesion, cultural connectedness, and wellbeing for both teachers and learners. Further, learning about Indigenous crafts and activities helps inspire pride in Indigenous identity and promotes healing from historical trauma.

Nehiyawak (Cree) women's strategies for aging well: community-based participatory research in Maskwacîs, Alberta, Canada, by the Sohkitehew (Strong Heart) group

BACKGROUND

The Sohkitehew (Strong Heart) Research Group, which included an Elders Advisory Committee of seven Nehiyawak (Cree) women, set out to bring Maskwacîs community members together to understand Nehiyawak women's experiences of "aging well". The goals of this research were to generate information honouring Indigenous ways of knowing, and gather strengths-based knowledge about aging well, to help Maskwacîs, women maintain wellness as they age.

METHODS

We facilitated qualitative Sharing Circles in three different settings in Maskwacîs. Discussions were prompted using the four aspects of the self, guided by Medicine Wheel teachings: Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual. Detailed notes were recorded on flip charts during the discussions of each Sharing Circle. Data were analysed using descriptive content analysis to identify practical strategies for aging well.

RESULTS

Thirty-six community members attended one or more Sharing Circle. Strategies included: Physical-keeping active to remain well; Mental-learning new skills to nourish your mind; Emotional-laughing, crying, and being happy; Spiritual-practicing Nehiyawak traditional ways. Participants commented that balancing these four aspects of the self is necessary to achieve wellness. Following the analysis of the Sharing Circle comments, three community feedback sessions were held to discuss the results in the wider community. These strategies were formatted into a draft booklet which incorporated Cree language, and archive photographs of Maskwacîs women and families.

CONCLUSIONS

The Nehiyawak Sharing Circles identified practical strategies that help women to remain well as they age. This positive approach to aging could be adopted in other Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.