How do we ensure that Indigenous people receive palliative care that aligns with their culture and spirituality? In this episode, guest host and researcher Mary Lou Kelley has a conversation with Jeroline Smith, a retired nurse, Elder and Knowledge Keeper who has made significant contributions to palliative care for Indigenous people. Jeroline talks about the importance of community, the need for more training and resources, and the need for more long-term care homes in Indigenous communities.

Jeroline Smith is a retired nurse currently working as an Elder and Knowledge Keeper to advise the work of Canadian Virtual Hospice, the Lakehead University Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health, and the regional home care program in Manitoba. In 2019, she received the Award of Excellence from the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, and has made significant contributions to several national palliative care initiatives.

Since 1972, researcher Mary Lou Kelley  has been engaged in gerontology and palliative care practice, teaching and research. She has made major contributions to research in long-term care, and rural and First Nations communities, using participatory, community development approaches to empower and support community members and front line workers.

Learn more about the Strengthening a Palliative Approach to Long-Term Care project at: https://spaltc.ca/