Reimagining FASD care for Indigenous children and families through hope, trust, and engagement: Learning from the Eastern Door Centre
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that can affect learning, behaviour, development, and daily functioning. Indigenous children and families living with FASD often face additional challenges connected to colonization, racism, stigma, and barriers within healthcare systems. Many families report feeling judged, blamed, or misunderstood when trying to access services, especially mothers and caregivers. These experiences can make it difficult for families to seek support or build trust with healthcare providers. This project will explore how hope, trust, and engagement are fostered within the Eastern Door (ED) Centre, an Indigenous-led FASD clinic located in Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick. The ED Centre is recognized for its innovative approach to care, which brings together EuroWestern healthcare practices and Mi’kmaq healing traditions through a framework called Two-Eyed Seeing. Community members and staff have described the Centre as a place where families feel respected, supported, and hopeful. The purpose of this study is to better understand the cultural and relational practices that help children, families, caregivers, and staff experience hope and trust within the ED Centre. The study will involve talking circles and interviews with individuals with FASD, caregivers, Elders, cultural practitioners, and clinic staff. The research will follow Indigenous research approaches that prioritize relationships, respect, reciprocity, and community involvement throughout the project. By documenting the ED Centre’s strengths and community knowledge, this project aims to support more culturally safe and compassionate care for Indigenous children and families affected by FASD.