Yellowknife (Mar 20/06) - Communication is especially important when discussing your health.

But some aboriginals have noticed a communication gap between medical workers and their own people.

"There are language barriers and cultural differences between the two groups," said Elizabeth Biscaye.

She works as the regional language co-ordinator for the Dene Cultural Institute and spoke to a group of physicians, nurses and medical staff during a workshop held at Northern United Place in Yellowknife recently.

The name of the workshop was Diversity and Social Inclusion in Primary Health Care.

Biscaye said the workshop was targeted to help health care providers deal with aboriginal people.

"This will help give them sensitivity to provide effective care to those who need it," said Biscaye.

Kami Kandola, president of the Territories Medical Association, said everyone involved in health care should be aware of cultural differences.

"Not just the frontline workers, but the people on the phone as well," said Kandola.

During the workshop, participants were asked to break up into smaller groups and identify any misconceptions they may have had about other cultures.

"It's not just about curing, it's also about caring," said Biscaye, who also works as a medical interpreter.

Biscaye said being an interpreter is more than just translating languages, it involves bridging any gaps between the doctor and patient.

"The doctor needs to understand where the patient is coming from," said Biscaye.

The participants tallied the responses about cultural differences and discussed a few of them as a group.

"It is impolite to look an elder straight in the eyes, because it seems confrontational," said Biscaye to the group.

The discussion went around the table and a few health care providers told their stories about dealing with elders in similar situations.

Raymond Sonfrere, executive director for the Dene Cultural Institute, said workshops such as this one are invaluable.

"Helping the elders is important and this is a great step toward our goal," said Sonfrere.