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| June 19, 2006 | Back to List | Print this Page  | | Aboriginal Health Liaison Workers Connect | | |
Pearl Ireland, has a very unique and important position with Peace Country Health in High Prairie and she is not shy in expressing how much she loves what she does. Pearl is an Aboriginal Health Liaison, and her job involves visiting with and assisting with the care, recovery and delivery of health services to First Nation and Metis people at the Health Complex and J.B Wood Continuing Care in High Prairie. "My heritage is Metis, says Pearl, so I am able to speak to them in Cree and overcome the language barrier for some of the elder patients, as well as comfort the younger ones."
Her role is any of a number of things. "Meeting with them gives them an opportunity to talk about aches and pains, and ask questions about why they are taking a medication, or why their medication has changed, says Pearl. It gives patients an opportunity to talk and laugh and brings them comfort when they are scared and unfamiliar with procedures that are going on. The Cree language is very soft spoken and the rhythm is comforting and wonderful to hear."
Pearl also helps them get to appointments, acts as a translator for doctors and perhaps more importantly, provides them an open opportunity to share stories about the Metis culture, their families and past experiences. "You should hear some of the incredible stories they have to tell...about hunting and fishing...and growing up," said Pearl, "they love to tell stories." Her presence tends to generate discussions amongst patients that had never spoken because they did not know that each other spoke the native language. The conversations that emerge generate laughter, which passes through the halls and is nice to hear, reports fellow colleagues and nursing staff.
"At first they (patients) are a bit surprised to hear someone speaking Cree to them, but it brings a huge smile to their faces, says Pearl. The little ones (children) always call me "Kookum", which means grandma in Cree...I guess they see me as a grandma to them." Pearl will come in and in good fun tease the children. They enjoy hearing her speak Cree and are comforted by her presence.
One of a number of new directives for Peace Country Health is the move towards incorporating cultural ceremonies and traditions into the treatment and care of First Nations and Metis patients. Peace Country Health recognizes the value in overcoming the language barriers for patients and also understands the significance and role that cultural customs play in our well-being.
Pearl is planning a get together for the 10 aboriginal residents currently in the J.B. Wood Continuing Care facility. The meal would consist of a healthy and traditional stew made of moose meat and veggies along with some bannock. The best part is that she wants to get them involved to make it, by peeling carrots and potatoes and asking what ingredients should be used. The meal would offer patients an opportunity to share a common tradition, tell stories and enjoy one of life's best medicines, laughter. "The entire experience would be very therapeutic for them," said Pearl.
Pearl, along with the help of her sister and other hospital staff, have set up a large teepee out back behind the J.B. Wood Continuing Care Facility. "The residents are pleased to see it, said Pearl. I brought one resident outside to sit in the tepee. It is just so peaceful in there, states Pearl, the patient just sat and sat and enjoyed being in the silence." Pearl is hoping to be able to host traditional smudging ceremonies in the tepee, which involve using sweetgrass to cleanse the teepee and drive away bad spirits.
Pearl was born and raised in Gourard and now lives 17 km west of High Prairie. Pearl is an experienced hunter, which gives her a common ground to speak on with patients. Pearl enjoys the opportunity to speak Cree as part of her job, because it is something that is slowly being lost by the Metis and First Nations people, and something that she really wants to hold on to.
When asked what she thinks about her work, Pearl stated, "I just love it; I love what I do...I wonder some days how I was so lucky to get this job."
| | For more information, please contact: | | Deb Guerette | | Director Communications | | Peace Country Health | | 780.538.6180 | | deb.guerette@pchr.ca | | http://www.pchr.ca |
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