title: Brain injury from a first nations' perspective: teachings from elders and traditional healers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a lack of knowledge about how cultural ideas affect First Nations peoples' perception of rehabilitation needs and the ability to access services.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The study explored the perceptions of treating and healing brain injury from First Nations elders and traditional healers in the communities served by Wassay-Gezhig-Na-Nahn-Dah-We-lgamig (Kenora Area Health Access Centre).
  
  
  METHODS
  A participatory action approach was used, leading to a focus group with elders and traditional healers. Findings, established through a framework analysis method, were member checked prior to dissemination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four themes arose from the data: pervasiveness of spirituality, "fixing" illness or injury versus living with wellness, working together in treating brain injury, and financial support needed for traditional healing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Funding is required for traditional healing services to provide culturallysafe and responsive occupational therapy services to First Nations individuals with brain injury.
authors: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, 160-500 University Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1V7. michelle.keightley@utoronto.ca
authors: Michelle L
authors: ML
authors: Keightley
authors: Grace E
authors: GE
authors: King
authors: Shu-Hyun
authors: SH
authors: Jang
authors: Randy J
authors: RJ
authors: White
authors: Angela
authors: A
authors: Colantonio
authors: J Bruce
authors: JB
authors: Minore
authors: Mae V
authors: MV
authors: Katt
authors: D Anita
authors: DA
authors: Cameron
authors: Alice M
authors: AM
authors: Bellavance
authors: Claudine H
authors: CH
authors: Longboat-White
mesh_terms: D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D009788:Occupational Therapy