Increased access to technology can promote independent living, stimulate cognitive functioning, relieve caregiver stress, improved telehealth access, increase overall well-being, and be used to share cultural resources such as Indigenous language applications. Many Indigenous older adults would like to learn more about technology and recognize the value of technology in supporting healthy ageing; however, as Morning Star Lodge has previously determined, accessibility and readiness were key factors in the use of this technology. Utilizing the guiding principles of the Model of Engaging Communities Collaboratively and the Ethical Engagement Training Module, Morning Star Lodge partnered with the Star Blanket Cree Nation to support the healthy lifestyle of 6 Indigenous older adults by increasing their access to and engagement with culturally safe technology solutions individual to their specific health and lifestyle needs. These co-researchers were provided with tablets, MiFis (mobile internet access), and learning workshops and were interviewed pre- and post-workshops to assess their comfort level with the device and information received. Additionally, these interviews assessed how the technology helped to address the health needs of the co-researchers. The findings demonstrated that the technology met the health needs of the older adults, particularly with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to stay connected to loved ones. Given the need during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to stay semi-isolated at this time due to older Indigenous adults being susceptible to the virus; the information gained through this work will support public health workers in responding to the needs of older Indigenous adults using technology to meet their health and well-being. There is also a significant need for pandemic preparedness work to be done with Indigenous communities and this work could inform this in part.

Indigenous older adults living in rural communities require accessibility to and readiness for new technologies to support the monitoring of health data and health status, as well as dementia education. Morning Star Lodge partnered with the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council, a Community Research Advisory Committee and All Nations Hope Network to bring a diverse group of First Nations community members to the “Knowing Your Health Symposium” to learn about Traditional Health and First Nations’ wellness. Indigenous Research Methods and community-based involvement informed and guided the research. An environmental scan was conducted relating to co-researchers’ nutrition, exercise, and self-management of health and health issues through an anonymous survey distributed at the Symposium. The purpose of the Symposium was to provide communities with information about healthy lifestyles as it relates to dementia and equip community members with the ability to make constructive decisions regarding their health.

Treaty-based strategies are required to address the unique needs of Indigenous communities in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. A treaty-based approach should recognize provisions within the Numbered Treaties, including the Famine and Pestilence Clause and Medicine Chest Clause, agreed to during the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876. The Famine and Pestilence Clause established the Crown’s obligation to aid Indigenous Peoples within Treaty 6 Territory in the event of calamities such as locust raids, storms, starvation, and disease. The Medicine Chest Clause instituted the means through which the Crown would provide medical care for Indigenous Peoples within the jurisdiction. The Government of Canada has a legal obligation to invoke the Famine and Pestilence Clause and Medicine Chest Clause in a strategy to address the spread of COVID-19 in Indigenous communities.