Throughout Canadian history, there always seems to have been a rough patch and mistreatment when it comes to the Aboriginal people. One specific example would be the implementation and operation of Indian Hospitals, a part of Canadian Health Care history some would rather forget and one that many still feel the pain of. In her novel Healing Histories: Stories from Canada's Indian Hospitals, Laurie Meijer Drees collects and documents multiple experiences from within these hospitals. By studying and comparing Marjorie Warke’s story to Marie Dick’s, I will evaluate the similarities and differences, as well as discuss how I can use this information and understanding in the future.
Similarities
Between both stories, there are several similarities …show more content…
Even though Marjorie mentions that the actual hospital was a dull place, she says that “it was a good place to work and the feeling was cheerful (Meijer Drees, 2013, p.64)” and gives off the idea that while the building was dreary, the atmosphere was a happy one. Meanwhile Marie’s whole story gives off an entirely different impression, one of fear and panic. From other staff not commenting on abuse to being denied closed windows the short story is powerful given its uneasy aura (Meijer Drees, 2013). This difference is closely related to one that is less noticeable. Mainly it revolves around patients have bits of fun during their stays in the hospitals. Marjorie says she remembers patients “short-sheet[ing] the beds of their neighbours for fun (Meijer Drees, 2013, p.67),” whereas Marie mentions that her and the other children in her ward were “not to make a sound (Meijer Drees, 2013, p.112)” and did not enjoy their time at all. In fact, their time was unsettling and must have been terrifying, given all the evidence from Marie’s story previously mentioned. Once again, the distinct differences between the two experiences stand out, even if it is in less noticeable …show more content…
I think this new understanding will drive me to be better with cultural sensitivity and learn how to better apply it to my care. I want to be able to provide care to the best of my ability and in a way that will make patients truly comfortable. I also believe that this new information will influence me to listen to Aboriginal patients and include aspects of what they want into their care, how they wish to keep their culture while being cared for. Seeing as listening is “a sign of respect and essential to learning (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, p.217),” it would help me quite a bit. This may include family, especially, seeing as “the family is highly valued (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, p.216).” in Native American culture and all care provided will probably need the “approval and support” of the family matriarch because she is the “primary decision maker (Arnold & Boggs, 2011,
Similarities
Between both stories, there are several similarities …show more content…
Even though Marjorie mentions that the actual hospital was a dull place, she says that “it was a good place to work and the feeling was cheerful (Meijer Drees, 2013, p.64)” and gives off the idea that while the building was dreary, the atmosphere was a happy one. Meanwhile Marie’s whole story gives off an entirely different impression, one of fear and panic. From other staff not commenting on abuse to being denied closed windows the short story is powerful given its uneasy aura (Meijer Drees, 2013). This difference is closely related to one that is less noticeable. Mainly it revolves around patients have bits of fun during their stays in the hospitals. Marjorie says she remembers patients “short-sheet[ing] the beds of their neighbours for fun (Meijer Drees, 2013, p.67),” whereas Marie mentions that her and the other children in her ward were “not to make a sound (Meijer Drees, 2013, p.112)” and did not enjoy their time at all. In fact, their time was unsettling and must have been terrifying, given all the evidence from Marie’s story previously mentioned. Once again, the distinct differences between the two experiences stand out, even if it is in less noticeable …show more content…
I think this new understanding will drive me to be better with cultural sensitivity and learn how to better apply it to my care. I want to be able to provide care to the best of my ability and in a way that will make patients truly comfortable. I also believe that this new information will influence me to listen to Aboriginal patients and include aspects of what they want into their care, how they wish to keep their culture while being cared for. Seeing as listening is “a sign of respect and essential to learning (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, p.217),” it would help me quite a bit. This may include family, especially, seeing as “the family is highly valued (Arnold & Boggs, 2011, p.216).” in Native American culture and all care provided will probably need the “approval and support” of the family matriarch because she is the “primary decision maker (Arnold & Boggs, 2011,