A First Nations Woman with Disabilities: “Listen to what I am saying!”

Abstract

This article tells the story of a courageous First Nations woman living with severe disabilities in an urban prairie city. Her story is a story of resistance and resiliency and of continued healing. This exploratory and qualitative study applies culturally sensitive research methods and attempts to capture the rich voice of Hope as she tells her-story. Personal names such as Hope’s have been changed in order to preserve confidentiality. Themes identified and described include grief, racism and verbal abuse, sexual abuse, health care concerns, resisting child welfare, isolation, poverty, relationships, and sexuality. Hope resisted, and through resilience, overcame much of the trauma but the scars are deep. Hope’s healing is found in finding meaning in her life through raising her daughter, caring for others, and advocating for herself and other Aboriginal persons with disabilities. Poverty and vulnerability, however, continue to plague her life. All she asks is to be heard: “Listen to what I am saying!” Her message is one that every health and social service provider should hear.