Staging relationships: using devised theatre to explore First Nations youths' experiences and perceptions of their relationships with healthcare providers

In Canada, vast inequities exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth, especially in northern, rural communities. Research has shown positive relationships with physicians greatly impacts on health, yet, to date, research on relationships between healthcare providers and Aboriginal peoples has not widely consulted or involved the younger population. The goal of this research was to explore relationships between Nisga'a First Nations youth (ages 19-25) and their healthcare providers by identifying cultural and social factors that encourage or hinder meaningful access to healthcare. Using a social determinants of health framework, this research employed community-based participatory approaches and decolonizing methodologies as well as arts-based methods (devised theatre). Four key themes emerged exemplifying two Nisga'a First Nations youths' experiences of relationships with healthcare providers. The most important finding was that Nisga'a youth participants identified "~relationships' as a determinant of their interactions with healthcare providers. Furthermore, using theatre proved to be a successful way to engage youth in research. --Leaf ii.