Storytelling with Indigenous providers of family planning care

In British Columbia, Indigenous providers of family planning care work within a fragmented health system which has had a part in disrupting the transmission of Indigenous health knowledges and practices. Recommendations exist to increase the number of Indigenous healthcare providers in Indigenous communities to enhance access and availability of services, and close gaps in health equity. Culture, a significant health determinant for Indigenous peoples, is an important component in restoring Indigenous wellbeing. This study was a qualitative investigation using an Indigenist research paradigm to understand the experiences of Indigenous providers of family planning care, to learn how they use Indigenous ways of being, knowing, doing and valuing in family planning care, and what they envision as optimal family planning care for Indigenous people. We completed fifteen interviews with Indigenous providers of family planning care who work in Indigenous communities using storytelling method. The interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Through analysis, I developed four themes: ninoshen (auntie) care provider as community member, gekinoo-amaaged (teacher) care provider as interpreter, ogichidaa (warrior) care provider as protector, and what providers view as optimal care. This study highlights the unique importance of Indigenous providers of family planning care in holistically protecting reproductive wellbeing, and how to optimally build upon the distinct health promoting benefits of having Indigenous providers in Indigenous communities.