Indigenization, Personalization, and Intersections: A Qualitative Study to Identify Essential Components for Developing an Indigenous-Centered Dementia Care Model in Alberta

Current models of dementia care often perpetuate the legacies of colonization, which highlights the need for a culturally congruent approach. This research describes the necessary components to co-develop a freely available Indigenous-centered dementia model of care in partnership with Indigenous individuals living with dementia, their families, and communities. To prioritize ethical and decolonial research approaches, sequential focus groups were used alongside Keeoukaywin (The Visiting Way)—an Indigenous methodology deeply rooted in Métis and Cree ways of knowing—guided by a group of advisors and Elders. The data were co-analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis guided by Indigenous principles. Three themes were generated: Indigenization, Personalization, and the Intersection of Challenges and Innovations, to illustrate how dementia care can be operationalized and adapted to various cultural and care contexts. This research offers a foundation for developing dementia care that truly aligns with Indigenous ways of doing.