Modifications for Indigenous Culture
Jamie Maracle, RSSW, BA, works with the Tsi Kanonhkhwatsheri:yo Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team. While maintaining the fidelity of the Craving Change program, Jamie has modified some of the discussions and examples for her community’s culture.
“I have modified the Craving Change concept of ‘The Change Buffet’ by including cultural practices. I work for an Indigenous organization, and all of my clients are Indigenous with varying levels of traditional knowledge and practices. Food is the center of all community events/celebrations, with many cultural foods high in carbohydrate (eg. fry bread/bannock). We discuss ways to incorporate Indigenous practices into the Change Buffet techniques/strategies to keep a positive relationship with food and culture. We also discuss ways to ‘nurture yourself’ that include cultural activities such as beading, medicine walk, fishing/hunting, dancing, playing lacrosse, and drumming.”
