Dementia Information for Indigenous Peoples: First Nations, Métis and Inuit
These resources were compiled by the Alzheimer Society of Canada in conjunction with Indigenous health experts.
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On this page, we have compiled a list of publicly available Indigenous dementia care resources.
Indigenous Dementia Care Tools and Resources
A Conversation on Indigenous Peoples and Dementia. This Dementia Talks! Canada webinar was created by the Alzheimer Society of Canada in partnership with Brain Canada. Speakers include Elder Beckie Labillois, Bonnie Peigan and Dr. Pamela Roach.
Anishinaabek Dementia Care. This resource — a collaboration between Health Sciences North Research Institute, N’Mninoeyaa Aboriginal Health Access Centre and Noojmowin Teg Aboriginal Health Access Centre — provides culturally relevant information about dementia to Anishinaabek communities.
Indigenous Cognition and Aging Awareness Exchange. Find dementia factsheets as well as information about the Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (CICA) tool.
The Four Sacred Medicines. This pamphlet created by Anishnawbe Health Toronto provides information on the four sacred medicines: tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass, including what each medicine may be used for. The Ontario Caring Advisory Circle identified this resource as a support for Indigenous residents of long-term care homes.
The Indigenous Cognitive Health Program. This initiative supports the creation and implementation of culturally informed dementia research partnerships within the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging.
Aging and Dementia. This Native Women's Association of Canada hub includes resources on addressing dementia-related stigma and self-care for care partners.
Supporting Indigenous Culture in Ontario’s Long-Term Care Homes. This report from the Ontario Centres for Research & Innovation in Long-Term Care summarizes the findings of research that explored how to better support Indigenous peoples in long-term care homes.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Indigenous Populations in Canada: Prevalence and Risk Factors. Produced by the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, this report summarizes the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) in Indigenous communities, risk factors and the challenges associated with diagnosis.
An Inuit-Focused Home for Elders with Dementia and Alzheimer's. In this video, created through a Canadian Virtual Hospice initiative, Inuit advocate Piita Irniq talks about how he advised a home that cares for Inuit Elders with dementia to adopt culturally sensitive practices.
Overcoming Barriers to Culturally Safe and Appropriate Dementia Care Services and Supports for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This paper, published by the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, identifies the challenges Indigenous peoples face in accessing culturally safe dementia care.
Indigenous Peoples and Dementia. Among its resources for Mi'kmaw communities, the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia offers a tool for people living with dementia to share information about themselves with their care partners to foster better relationships.
10 Helpful Resources to Support Indigenous Peoples Living with Dementia. The Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health created this information sheet as a part of its Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit.
Dementia and Palliative Care Resources. Lakehead University's Centre for Education and Research on Aging has created a variety of culturally appropriate resources for caregivers, including information on advance care planning and a guide to supporting spiritual wellness at the end of life.
Supporting the Journey Home. This educational program from Palliative Care Intervention is designed for interdisciplinary healthcare providers working in First Nations community settings, and promotes early integration of a palliative care approach. (Currently, this program is only offered in Ontario.)
Beginning the Journey Into the Spirit World. This Canadian Partnership to End Cancer compendium provides First Nations, Inuit and Métis perspectives on palliative and end-of-life care.
Knowledge Circle. This is a resource hub created by the First Nations Health Managers Association with links to a variety of resources in different topics, including Anti-Indigenous Racism, Financial Assistance, Indigenous Services Canada, Traditional Practices.
Certified First Nations Health Managers Program. The First Nations Health Management Association offers a certification program for people who work (or want to work) in First Nations health organizations.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program. This program, which is operated by SE Health — a Canadian not-for-profit that offers home and community health care — offers Indigenous-led health education and culturally safe healthcare training.
Do you have a story or resource to to share? Please send suggestions, questions or concerns to [email protected].
Last updated: September 25, 2026