This exploratory study sought to understand how spirituality influences the experiences of loss, grief, and finding meaning for seven Indigenous women following the death of a loved one. Writing from an Indigenous research paradigm with storytelling as the research method, five recurring themes emerged from the transcripts: 1)dreams; 2) honouring memory; 3) healing; 4) making space; 5)meaning. In addition, three central themes were present in the five themes: 1) connection; 2) relationships; 3) we are not alone. The research exposed a story within a story, as each storyteller revealed a history of trauma related to colonization, and their healing journey of coming to see, coming to know, and coming to be as Indigenous women. The study found that spirituality positively influenced the experiences of loss, grief, and finding meaning through the maintenance of connections and relationships with their loved one, and affirming meaning or purpose in their life.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:MWU.1993/22182 |
| Date | 12 September 2013 |
| Creators | Hinch-Bourns, Andrea Colleen |
| Contributors | Hart, Michael A. (Social Work), Halonen, Deana (Social Work) Anderson, Kim (Wilfred Laurier University) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Detected Language | English |
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