A Call for Justice: New Brunswick Seniors' Advocate Demands Equitable Care for First Nations Elders

New Brunswick’s Seniors’ Advocate, Cecile Cassista, has issued a powerful and urgent call to action, demanding a fundamental overhaul of how First Nations elders are cared for within the province. Her groundbreaking report, “Equity in Aging for First Nations Seniors,” paints a stark picture of systemic neglect and discrimination, highlighting a deeply troubling disparity between the care available to Indigenous and non-Indigenous seniors.

This isn't just a policy recommendation; it's a moral imperative to ensure our most revered community members can age with dignity, cultural connection, and respect.

Cassista's investigation reveals a distressing reality: First Nations elders often face formidable barriers in accessing appropriate long-term care, home care, and even basic transportation services.

The report meticulously documents how a one-size-fits-all approach to elder care utterly fails to meet the unique cultural, linguistic, and spiritual needs of Wolastoqey and Mi'kmaq communities. Imagine being forced to leave your ancestral lands, your language, and your community connections behind just to receive basic medical attention – this is the heartbreaking choice many Indigenous elders are currently confronting.

The lack of culturally sensitive services is a critical failing.

Many elders, particularly those who primarily speak their traditional languages, find themselves isolated and misunderstood within a system not designed to accommodate them. This linguistic barrier is compounded by a profound lack of understanding of Indigenous traditions, healing practices, and familial structures.

Care provided without cultural context can inadvertently cause distress, alienation, and a sense of loss, rather than comfort and support.

Moreover, the report highlights a severe lack of infrastructure within First Nations communities themselves. While non-Indigenous communities may have local nursing homes and robust home care networks, many First Nations reserves lack the necessary facilities and dedicated funding to provide comprehensive, in-community elder care.

This forces elders to relocate, often far from their families and cultural support systems, leading to emotional distress and a significant decline in quality of life.

Cassista's report doesn't just diagnose the problem; it offers clear, actionable solutions. Central to her recommendations is the establishment of an Indigenous-led advisory committee.

This committee would empower First Nations leaders to co-create solutions, ensuring that future policies and services are genuinely reflective of their communities’ needs and aspirations. It's an acknowledgement that true equity can only be achieved through self-determination and partnership, not through top-down mandates.

Furthermore, the advocate stresses the critical need for dedicated funding from both federal and provincial governments.

This isn't just about patching holes; it's about investing in a sustainable, culturally appropriate elder care system that honors the contributions and wisdom of First Nations elders. The report calls for a holistic approach that integrates traditional healing practices, supports community-based care models, and ensures transportation is no longer a barrier to essential services.

The message is unequivocal: First Nations elders deserve to age in place, surrounded by their loved ones, their language, and their culture.

They deserve care that respects their heritage and addresses their needs with compassion and understanding. Cecile Cassista's report is a powerful wake-up call, urging New Brunswick and Canada to finally confront these systemic injustices and build an elder care system that truly embodies equity and dignity for all.