Mental Health Perceptions and Practices of a Cree Community in Northern Ontario: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This project is a qualitative study of the mental health perceptions and practices of one Aboriginal community in the northern Ontario James and Hudson Bay region. Despite a shared history of trauma and oppression with the other five Cree communities in this area, as well as an added trauma of natural disaster and subsequent relocation, this community has been reported to have markedly lower rates of mental health services utilization and suicide. Interviews with eight community leaders and mental health services providers were conducted and analyzed in order to identify the features that distinguish this community. In line with recent recommendations for culturally sensitive and community-compatible research methods, participants' narratives were organized in terms of the Bmedicine wheel^of traditional healing. Results showed strong connection to the land and traditions, openness to both traditional and Christian spirituality, community engagement, and shared parenting as strengths valued by a majority of participants.

Spatio-temporal analysis of mental illness and the impact of marginalization-based factors: a case study of Ontario, Canada

“…The landscape of Northern Ontario is primarily rural with cold, sub-arctic winters and home to a large indigenous, aboriginal population who reside in many of the region's small, isolated, remote communities (Rourke 2002). A large number of these communities are void of road access and connection with other settlements, and as highlighted by Danto and Walsh (2017), many of the residents also suffer from mental health-related problems such as suicide and substance abuse. Canada's legacy of colonial oppression and institutional racism, as well as lack of access to healthcare and social services in rural Northern Ontario, have all negatively affected the mental health of Aboriginal residents (Lavallee and Poole 2010;Richmond, Ross, and Bernier 2007).…”

In their own words: American students’ perspectives on study abroad experiences.

“…Transcribed accounts were analyzed qualitatively via a dialogical phenomenological method (Danto & Walsh, 2017; Halling et al, 1994; Walsh, 2012). This method entailed summarizing key phrases and themes through dialogue, and comparing the results across time (for each individual) as well as across participants.…”

A study protocol for a quasi-experimental community trial evaluating the integration of indigenous healing practices and a harm reduction approach with principles of seeking safety in an indigenous residential treatment program in Northern Ontario

“…Outpatient and residential treatment of SUD within Indigenous communities presents many challenges and barriers [ 2 , 24 ]. Many communities continue to report the need for increased access to evidence-based treatment options [ 25 , 26 ]. While it appears as though some success has been achieved by treatment models [ 24 , 27 , 28 ]; there is a lack of access and a need for evidence-based treatments [ 24 , 27 , 28 ].…”

“…While it appears as though some success has been achieved by treatment models [ 24 , 27 , 28 ]; there is a lack of access and a need for evidence-based treatments [ 24 , 27 , 28 ]. Many communities report a lack of services, specifically Indigenous treatment options and culturally sensitive approaches, as well as a lack of cultural awareness from health care professionals and rehabilitation services [ 25 ]. Moreover, there is currently limited knowledge in regard to how well the existing services and treatment centers in northern Ontario are addressing the needs of young people with SUD.…”