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Bridging Two Worlds: Accessing Services While Staying Connected to Culture
Introduction
For Indigenous people living with disabilities, life often means navigating two different worlds. One is the world of mainstream disability services, shaped by Western systems, rules, and timelines. The other is the world of culture, family, and community, where traditions, ceremonies, and language remain central to identity and wellbeing.
Balancing these two worlds can be challenging. Services are often designed without Indigenous perspectives, while cultural priorities like time on the land, attending ceremonies, or speaking traditional languages may not fit within Western service models. Yet, across British Columbia, Indigenous communities and organizations are creating solutions that respect both realities.
This article explores the challenges of bridging these worlds and shares practical strategies and resources to help Indigenous individuals and families stay connected to culture while accessing the supports they need.
The Challenges of Navigating Two Systems
System Barriers
Mainstream disability services in BC often use Western approaches that emphasize paperwork, eligibility criteria, and clinical models. These systems may not recognize cultural healing practices or the importance of extended family in decision-making. Appointments can conflict with ceremonies or seasonal activities like hunting and fishing.
Cultural Disconnect
When services do not include cultural safety, Indigenous individuals may feel misunderstood or even disrespected. For example, a young person with a disability may require support for school but also needs to attend cultural events that strengthen their identity. If providers do not understand this need, the family can feel forced to choose between services and traditions.
Language and Accessibility
For some Elders and community members, English is not the first language. Accessing services often requires navigating complex documents, phone systems, or online forms, which can create barriers for those who prefer or primarily speak Indigenous languages.
Finding Balance Through Community Solutions
Cultural Safety in Services
Culturally safe services recognize history, respect traditional knowledge, and value community leadership. Indigenous health navigators, friendship centers, and Indigenous-led disability organizations are working to close gaps by offering advocacy and supporting families through Western systems without sacrificing culture.
Blended Approaches
Some communities combine traditional healing with Western therapies. For example, mental health services might include both counselling and access to Elders for cultural support. Disability planning meetings might open with a prayer or smudge, acknowledging cultural protocols.
Building Relationships
Trust grows when service providers listen and learn. Allies and professionals can strengthen inclusion by taking cultural safety training, asking questions respectfully, and involving community members in planning.
Stories of Resilience
- A family in Northern BC worked with an Indigenous patient navigator who coordinated medical appointments around cultural gatherings, ensuring the child could participate in both.
- On Vancouver Island, an Indigenous disability advocate helped create a peer group that integrates drumming circles with life skills workshops. This model respects both cultural connections and practical needs for independence.
These examples show that solutions are possible when systems adapt to culture rather than asking people to leave their identity behind.
Practical Tips for Families and Individuals
- Ask if your service provider has an Indigenous liaison or navigator.
- Bring an Elder or cultural support person to meetings if you choose.
- Share your cultural needs openly. For example, tell your provider about ceremonies or traditional commitments that matter to your family.
- Explore Indigenous-led programs whenever possible. They are more likely to provide holistic and culturally safe support.
Regional Resources in BC
Below are trusted resources organized by region. These organizations provide culturally safe services, advocacy, and community programs for Indigenous individuals and families, including those living with disabilities.
Fraser Region
- Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA) – Offers family support, housing, cultural programming, and navigation services for Indigenous individuals with disabilities.
- Indigenous Disability Canada / BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) – Province-wide Indigenous-led disability support and cultural advocacy.
Vancouver Coastal East
- Vancouver Coastal Health – Indigenous Patient Navigators – Provides culturally safe care coordination and advocacy across health and social systems.
- Pathways Indigenous Services – Offers disability and health navigation programs tailored for urban Indigenous people in Vancouver.
Vancouver Coastal West
- Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society – Cultural programs, community wellness services, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
- North Shore Disability Resource Centre – Indigenous Programs – Inclusive programs designed to support Indigenous individuals and families with disabilities.
Vancouver Island
- BCANDS (Head Office in Victoria) – Disability case management, RDSP navigation, and cultural wellness gatherings for Indigenous individuals and families.
Interior
- Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society – Offers cultural programs, housing, and disability supports for Indigenous individuals and families.
- STADD Navigator (Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities) – Provides culturally informed transition planning for youth with disabilities entering adulthood.
North
- Prince George Native Friendship Centre – Offers housing, family programs, health navigation, and inclusive services for Indigenous individuals.
Province-Wide
- First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) – Provides health benefits and promotes culturally safe health and disability services across BC.
Closing Thoughts
Balancing two worlds is not easy, but it is possible when services listen and adapt. Indigenous leadership and community-based solutions show that inclusion is strongest when culture remains at the center. By working together, families, service providers, and communities, we can create systems that honor identity, language, and tradition while delivering the supports people need to thrive.