Before I Go

Today’s episode talks about the term ‘reconciliation’, and how including Indigenous voices and involvement is the way to see true change regarding the code of ethics and systemic racism within the Canadian Medical Association. The potential for harm as the only indigenous person in the medical education system and the medical system itself, has informed Dr. Cashin’s activism. From growing up in Cornerbrook NFLD, and studying at Memorial University, to her experiences working in a small rural hospital, Dr. Cashin’s experiences have inspired her advocacy in the area of education and policy. It is so important to see representation, and be treated by people who look like we do. How can the medical community change its culture, be inclusive, supportive and welcoming? Alongside other Indigenous medical leaders, Dr. Cashin is helping to change the experience of Indigenous medical students, which will in turn change the experience if Indigenous patients within our medical system. As always, please take care of yourselves and if you need to, make use of the resources listed on our podcast main page.

ABOUT Dr. Paula Cashin:

Dr. Paula Cashin is a Mi'kmaw physician, the first Indigenous radiologist and nuclear medicine physician in Canada, and the first Indigenous female medical school graduate of Memorial University. She works in rural Newfoundland in teleradiology and recently completed a Master of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution at Osgoode Hall Law School. Last year, as the Canadian Medical Association Board Vice-Chair, Dr. Cashin was a speaker at the CMA’s event to formally apologize for the role of the medical profession, in past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the health system.

Episode-Relevant Links:

https://www.cma.ca/our-focus/indigenous-health/apology-harms-indigenous-peoples

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-0v3sbwEpI

*****CONTENT WARNING*****

Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support.

Mental Health Support Resources:

https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chat

NIHB Mental Health Services regional office

First Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.ca

MAiD Resources:

https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying

Centre for Education and Research on Aging

https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/When-the-Time-Comes-Final-Edit-and-Format3510-march-24.pdf

https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/reclaiming-cultural-teachings-about-mortality-grief-loss-death-and-dying/

https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/

https://camapcanada.ca/

https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf

Grief & Loss Support Resources:

https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/

https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/

https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org

https://livingmyculture.ca/

Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027

Residential School Support Resources:

https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Families

https://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419

What is Before I Go?

ABOUT BEFORE I GO…Embracing the Journey of MAiD:

“Death is not an ending but a change of worlds.” Indigenous nations have a long history with ceremony and tradition around death. A member of the Gitxaala Nation in BC, Marion Brown has Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). PH is a chronic progressive condition that will, as with other members of her family, eventually take her life. And so, Marion has made the decision to use the MAiD program when she feels the time is appropriate. An experienced documentary producer and interviewer in her own right, Marion will turn the microphone around on herself. Along with family and many professional experts, she and her daughter Danielle will share this extraordinary journey with you.

By openly discussing the experience of choosing medical assisted dying through an Indigenous lens, along with wisdom and stories – about family & ancestors, history & trauma, healing & love – Marion and Dani hope that their journey will provide unique and thoughtful perspectives, encourage your own conversations with those close to you, and perhaps provide some comfort. After all, living & dying are the human experiences we all share. Join us bi-weekly for some of the most profound and thought-provoking conversations of a lifetime.