Indigenous Peoples and the Challenges of Remote Work
When one partner works a remote job far from home, families often face emotional, logistical and cultural challenges. This can be especially true for Indigenous peoples, where connection to land, community and family is deeply rooted in daily life. The distance created by fly-in fly-out (FIFO), rotational, or seasonal remote work can strain these relationships, yet many families find ways to stay strong, grounded and resilient.
Why Remote Work Can Be Tough for Indigenous Families
Remote jobs often take workers away from their home communities for long stretches. For Indigenous peoples, this absence can mean missing ceremonies, family milestones or time spent on the land. These are not just personal moments but key parts of cultural identity and wellness.
Partners left at home carry extra responsibilities—caring for children, managing the household and navigating feelings of loneliness. Kids may also struggle with the absence of a parent, especially in close-knit Indigenous families where elders, parents and children often share responsibilities and time together.
Strategies to Stay Connected
1. Create a Communication Routine
Establish regular check-ins, whether by video calls, voice messages or texts. Even a short message every day can help maintain connection and provide emotional support. For families in remote Indigenous communities with limited access to technology, even sending letters or using radio shoutouts can go a long way.
2. Share Cultural Practices, Even From Afar
Encourage the working partner to stay engaged with cultural traditions. This could mean listening to Indigenous music, attending community events online when possible, or simply calling home to talk about seasonal activities like hunting or harvesting.
3. Include Children in the Process
Help kids understand why a parent is away and involve them in staying connected. Let them record voice messages or draw pictures to send. Storytelling—a central part of many Indigenous cultures—can also be a powerful way for parents to stay emotionally present, even from a distance.
Coping at Home: Support for the Partner Staying Behind
1. Build a Local Support System
Lean on community, whether it’s extended family, neighbors or local services. Indigenous friendship centres, parenting groups or elder programs can offer both emotional support and practical help.
2. Prioritize Mental Health
Feelings of isolation are real. Seek out culturally safe mental health resources, such as Indigenous counsellors or community wellness workers. Traditional practices like smudging or spending time on the land can also be healing.
3. Find Moments of Self-Care
It’s easy to burn out while managing everything solo. Taking small moments each day for rest or creativity can recharge your energy. For Indigenous peoples, self-care might also include time with nature, prayer or connection to ancestral teachings.
Reconnecting After Time Apart
When the remote worker returns home, it can take time to settle back into family routines. Be patient and open about expectations. Creating a “homecoming” tradition, like a shared meal or time outdoors as a family, can help ease the transition.
Indigenous families often show great strength and adaptability. By drawing on cultural values, supporting one another and staying connected, it’s possible to navigate the challenges of remote work and protect what matters most—love, community and identity.