Wîcohkamakew – A qualitative description of parents, perinatal clinic staff, and mentor Elders experiences of a Nêhiyawi (Cree) community-derived Elders Mentoring Program: Findings from the ENRICH study

Abstract Background: Responding to concerns over perinatal health risks and adverse outcomes, a community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership was established in collaboration with a large Nêhiyawi (Cree) community in Alberta and university-based researchers. An Elders Mentoring Program was designed and implemented to provide additional support for pregnant women and their partners. Our objective was to understand the collective experiences of those involved in the Program. Methods: We conducted a qualitative description with the principles of CBPR as an over-arching framework. A total of 14 qualitative interviews were conducted with parents utilizing the Program, perinatal clinic staff helping to facilitate the Program, and mentor Elders that engage with parents as part of the Program. Community Advisory Committee meeting notes were also used as data. All qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Results: The Program helps pregnant women and their partners by fostering enhanced support networks as well as improved cultural security within the clinical environment and learning among healthcare staff. A sense of intergenerational fulfillment and enjoyment among those involved in the Program was common, and was underpinned by genuine, collaborative relationships Conclusions: Successful implementation of a community-derived prenatal Elders Mentoring Program is possible with significant community collaboration.