Health as Balance for the Sto:lo Coast Salish

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the concept of health for the Sto:lo Coast Salish of the Pacific Northwest and describe their ways of being healthy within their specific context, considering the climate, the resources of their natural environment, and their spiritual heritage. This study, using a grounded theory approach, focused on the meaning of health for the Sto:lo. A sample of 18 participants and two cultural experts, using the constant comparison method and dimensional analysis, yielded three themes. Health as "balance," spirituality as "it's an ongoing thing," and transitions as "those times of change" were the resulting themes. Nurses, who take the themes into account when providing care, will be more culturally competent.