ABSTRACT
Physical therapy (PT) supports the universal need for human movement to optimize health and wellbeing. PT draws on western paradigms of thought and epistemology that are not always aligned with those practiced by Indigenous populations. Evidence suggests that PT is not equitably accessible to all citizens in Canada, particularly Indigenous populations (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) experiencing greater health disparities. Health disparities are perpetuated within a Canadian healthcare system, which maintains a hierarchical system of power that privileges Eurocentric belief systems. A context of colonialism, racism, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma marginalizes Indigenous populations and negatively impacts health outcomes and overall wellbeing. The PT profession is also implicated, challenging practitioners to collectively transform physical therapy practice to include diverse knowledge systems. We propose innovatively rethinking PT practice in partnership with Indigenous communities. We share our relational and collaborative experiences with a northern Canadian Métis community to co-create research and practice focusing on healthy aging across the lifespan. Applying a safe ethical space which brings together the strengths of Eurocentric and Indigenous worldviews ensures Métis perspectives are privileged and healthy aging priorities are relevant to the Métis community. Acquiring these new perspectives challenge and transform PT professional paradigms and practice.
