First Nation, Metis and Inuit Mental Health and the Law Dr. Yvonne Boyer Canada Research Chair, Aboriginal Health and Wellness, Brandon University Sheyenne Spence, Student, Brandon University October 6, 2015
Background Who are we talking about, First Nation, Metis and Inuit Place in Canadian society; mental health as part of whole health-cultural relevance; Determinants of mental health/illness; criminalization of mental illness
Some of the Issues Statistics, vulnerable populations, urban, on reserve, the North, criminal justice; Police as first responders Sexually exploited Aboriginal women, girls, boys and men
Trafficking Report Prepared for Public Safety What we heard Mental illness Criminalization of a social problem
Correctional Investigator A Three Year Review of Federal Inmate Suicides
Mental Health Programs Access to service; Cultural relevance and safety; Human resources with community involvement; Specific needs of vulnerable populations
What works Preventing involvement in the criminal justice system; Youth focused programming, specific programs with best practices; Policy framework for mental health and criminal justice, diversion community justice committees and involvement of community, mental health courts, rehabilitation, coordinated approach- inter-service connections
Summary Determinant of mental health are colonization, laws and legislation Correctional Centres are overcrowded with Aboriginal people and not equipped to deal with mental health issues Mental Health has been criminalized There is hope, people are working hard to change the status quo
Mental Health From the Viewpoint of our Elders/Traditional Knowledge Keepers
Christine Blondeau Perry Christine is 87 years old, She is Metis and lives in Southeastern Saskatchewan. She still an avid horse rider to this day Loves to draw Learned everything she knows from her mother
When Asked about Mental Health Christine Had this to say: Mental health was not a major issue Suicide was essentially nonexistent
Doris and Esther are sisters from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba Doris Young & Esther Sanderson They both live and work in their home community. Esther had a heart transplant over 12 years ago.
Esther discussed mental health in the community Those suffering from mental illness were not ostracized People took care them Was not seen as a major issue The community was accepting of everyone
Doris Young discussed the effects of Mental health appeared to increase after residential schools The abuse and neglect affected the survivors of residential schools in adverse ways Their parents were very supportive and protected them Residential schools
Esther discussed the importance of a holistic maintenance of health It essential to maintain your overall health Physical Spiritual Mental Emotional
Annie Smith St.-Georges Annie is a well known Algonquin Traditional Elder born and raised on the Kitigan-Zibi reserve Her teachings are based on respecting Mother Earth and all its creatures, spirituality and promoting harmony among each other. Cited from: http://www.oicc.ca/livingwell/aboriginal
Annie discussed mental health in her community It was all dependent on the situation Mental illness was taboo and pushed aside People who had down syndrome and illnesses such as that were taken care of.
Annie talked about her personal struggles with mental illness Suffered from teenage depression Emptiness Looked to traditional teachings to help her through it
Summary The consensus from all 4 Elders is: Mental illness was not a major issue in the past. Suicide was virtually non-existent Mental health issues appeared to increase after children returned from residential schools. Mental health sufferers were not shunned or ostracized from community You must take care of yourself emotionally, physically, mentally, and emotionally in order to maintain good health.
Moving Aboriginal Health Forward
Thank you for the invitation Drop in a see us at Brandon University, Room 129 Health Studies Building Yvonne and Sheyenne