Addressing Psychological and Systemic Barriers in Indigenous Healthcare with Caroline Tait

This week’s thought-provoking episode of the Resolving Violence podcast, Shaylyn White is joined by Dr. Caroline Tait, a medical anthropologist from the University of Calgary, to explore the systemic violence and healthcare inequities faced by indigenous communities. They discuss issues such as the high demand for kidney transplants among indigenous individuals in Saskatchewan, the psychological barriers of anticipating racism in healthcare, and the importance of cultural safety training for healthcare providers. Dr. Tait emphasizes the need to acknowledge historical trauma, particularly the intergenerational impact of residential schools, and advocates for systemic changes to build trust and combat racism within the healthcare system.

This episode brings attention to the crucial role of empathy and compassion in patient care, noting how small gestures can significantly influence trust and engagement. Dr. Tait highlights disturbing issues like coerced tubal ligation of indigenous women and stresses the importance of anti-racism efforts in healthcare institutions. The conversation touches on the systemic failures in providing holistic support, illustrated by the plight of a traumatized pregnant woman in the criminal justice and child welfare systems, and calls for more human-centered approaches in healthcare and social services.

The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to educate themselves on the guests' work and to share the episode to contribute to resolving violence. Shaylyn White and Dr. Caroline Tait expresses hope that their dialogue and storytelling will inspire positive change, highlighting the significance of mixed-methodology research and public health approaches in preventing violence. Tune in to this eye-opening episode for deeper insights into the social determinants of health and their impact on indigenous well-being.

About Our Guest: 

Dr. Caroline Tait is a medical anthropologist at the University of Calgary specializing in indigenous health and social justice issues. Her impactful research predominantly focuses on the lived experiences of indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, drawing attention to critical social determinants of health and their far-reaching implications. Dr. Tait passionately advocates for cultural safety and anti-racism training within healthcare, emphasizing the importance of historical trauma acknowledgment and the empowerment of indigenous voices. Her work also encompasses significant areas such as inequities in dialysis treatment, organ donation, and the systemic challenges faced by young incarcerated individuals, ultimately striving to foster holistic and human-centered approaches to violence prevention.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/