With the release of the Canadian Psychological Association's (2018) response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015) there has been increased attention on the ways psychology in Canada might better serve the needs of Indigenous communities, in particular in terms of education and professional training. To date, there has been almost no research conducted at the intersection of Indigenous communities and professional training in psychology in Canada. This article examines this issue from the perspective of Indigenous psychologists who are working as scholar-practitioners in graduate level professional psychology training programs. Through first-person editorial reflections, the authors identify key challenges and opportunities in professional training in psychology relevant to Indigenous peoples; and the changes that are needed to advance Indigenous peoples in the field. Finally, the study identifies various paradigms of professional training that hold promise for serving the interests of Indigenous peoples in professional training in psychology.
Public Significance StatementThis study identifies challenges, opportunities, and strategies for the advancement of Indigenous peoples in the field of professional psychology, particularly through the lens of professional training and education. In addition, the study considers how professional training can better support the preparation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and psychologists to address the mental health needs of Indigenous communities.
This youth suicide prevention research project is an example of a partnership between Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health, that directly responds to goals of ethical research conducted in First Nations' communities. Through the use of mixed methods, the project investigated the effectiveness of community-based interventions in preventing suicide and tracked youth self-esteem, depression, and other indicators over the course of the project. The knowledge gained from this research project will help guide CSFS and its member communities in offering programs and services that will assist in reducing incidence of suicide.
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