Your generosity is paving the way for the future inclusion of Indigenous healing practices in Bariatric recovery across Canada. The research funded by your support is the first of its kind in Canada with a qualitative focus on Indigenous bariatric care. The goal of the Sharing Circles study is to understand the needs of Indigenous patients and implement necessary improvements and wellness practices for Indigenous bariatric patients.
Without your support, the Sharing Circles research never would have had the opportunity to grow into the multi-phase project that it is today. The initial grant helped to get the research off the ground, and allowed for the project to gain additional funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), continuing the groundbreaking research study even further.
This project involved holding two groups of Sharing Circles and interviews with a group of Indigenous post-operative bariatric
patients. The Sharing Circles were led by an Indigenous Elder in an 
effort to ensure respectful collaboration and perspectives. Each Sharing Circle incorporated sacred items, traditional medicines, feasting and smudging. Findings from the Sharing Circles showed that Indigenous patients desire the opportunity to participate in traditional healing practices, but there is currently nothing offered in bariatric care. Bariatric surgery isn’t just about the surgery. It’s also about the before and after, which patients identified as being times when the support of friends and family is instrumental for recovery.
Thanks to your support, the knowledge, experiences and suggestions that were shared by post-operative bariatric patients are being developed into a program that will incorporate Indigenous wellness and teaching materials for future bariatric programs across Canada.
This research will continue in the future, with plans to expand the study to include more pre and post-operative Indigenous patients, and explore Indigenous bariatric care and access in rural communities. The study aims to increase supports for Indigenous patients, based off of the knowledge that they gained from the initial Sharing Circles.
Victoria Hospital Foundation believes in investing in innovative research that makes an impact on our entire healthcare system. This research does just that. By embracing traditional Indigenous ways of healing, patients in bariatric surgery programs will have the opportunity to receive better, more culturally sensitive care, helping to improve the health and wellness outcomes of Indigenous bariatric patients across the province. Thank you for your continued support!
