Indigenous stories of mentorship

Abstract

ABSTRACT This project aimed to share stories of six Indigenous mentees and their successes, struggles, and experiences in health science and in the Indigenous Mentorship Network Program. All participants were mentees within a mentorship network specific to their province. Mentees participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences, which were transcribed and qualitatively coded using narrative analysis and Indigenous Storywork method. Stories were organized into motifs, or recurring narrative themes. Story vignettes based on each motif were created to express prominent experiences mentees faced. Our analysis derived motifs of struggle, overcoming, and traditional ways of learning. This project is intended to give Indigenous mentees a voice, expose areas where health education can support them, and share experiences of strength through adversity. Overall, this information can be used to educate, assist Indigenous mentorship programs, and support Indigenous mentees in health science.