Somali

Emotions and Support
Talking About Illness

Hodan

Hodan Nalayeh is a Somali-Canadian journalist and community leader. Her family moved to Canada when she was six years old. Tragically, Hodan was killed on July 12, 2019 in a terror attack in Somalia.

Taboo topics

Hodan explains why Somalis don't talk about certain things. (01:44)

Somali - Emotions and Support

Culture, religion and illness (2:44)
Open the door (1:07)
The blessing of sharing (0:49)
A family history (2:23)
Someone to talk to (1:06)
Civil war and cancer (1:37)
Palliative care can happen at home (2:34)
Somali voices: A good death (5:32)
Differences between religion and culture (1:59)

Somali - Talking About Illness

What health care providers should know (1:44)
Talking about cancer is taboo (2:14)
Shame and drama (1:24)
Speak clearly and simply (1:42)
Cancer: A big frightening word (1:47)
Does he think I'm three years old? (2:55)
Tell the family first (1:48)
What is a DNR? (1:33)
Someone to talk to (1:06)
The whole community at the hospital (1:30)
Civil war and cancer (1:37)
Somali voices: Ceremony, traditions and beliefs (7:42)
Somali voices: Caring for the patient and family (4:26)
Somali voices: A good death (5:32)
Differences between religion and culture (1:59)

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