NWO Regional Stroke Program - Video Resources

Following the path of the river, the Sharing Circle DVD uses Aboriginal (or the animal system) and medical teachings to understand the symptoms of a stroke or "brain attack". The nature of warning signs and where to go for help are also discussed. Community, family and friends can all learn from sharing this resource. (17 Minutes)

Ojibwe Version
Oji-Cree Version
English Version

"Next to cardiac and cancer mortality, stroke is the third leading cause of death in Northwestern Ontario”.

Dr. David Howse, TBRHSC Neurologist

The Innovation
The Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Program is proud to announce the development of a DVD to educate our Aboriginal population regarding stroke; signs and symptoms; and what to do in case of stroke. Funding for the research project was received from the Ontario Stroke System. The research project was a partnership with the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research.

The Need
With the Aboriginal percentage of the population substantially greater in Northwestern Ontario (13.9%) than in the Province (1.7%), there is a growing incidence of risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. High blood pressure is 2.8 times more prevalent in Aboriginal men and 2.5 times more prevalent in Aboriginal women than non-Aboriginal Canadians. Correspondingly, Aboriginal people in Canada have a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity and tobacco use.

The Story
Following the path of the river, the Sharing Circle DVD uses Aboriginal (or the animal system) and medical teachings about stroke. Understanding what a stroke is, or “brain attack”, is captured in the Sharing Circle. Warning signs and where to go for help are also discussed. Community, family and friends can learn from sharing this resource. (17 minutes, in English, dubbed in Ojibwe & Oji-Cree).

The Background
The research project, in partnership with six First Nations in Northwestern Ontario (one urban, three rural and two remote), was designed to: (i) document Aboriginal people’s understanding of what a stroke is, signs, symptoms and effects; (ii) document stroke resources available in communities and where to go for help; and (iii) note Aboriginal people’s preferences regarding cultural content and health material formats. Research involving “circle” focus groups, assessed the experiences and opinions of 105 Aboriginal individuals, including stroke survivors and their family caregivers. Results were used to develop a culturally appropriate educational DVD “As the River Flows: Brain Attack” for the First Nations population living in Northwestern Ontario. It is anticipated that this educational DVD offers information and approaches that will be used by other Aboriginal communities throughout Ontario and Canada.