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Anishinabek sources of strength: Learning from First Nations people who have experienced mental health and substance use challenges

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  • Morton Ninomiya, Melody E.
  • Tanner, Bryan
  • Peach, Laura J.
  • George, Ningwakwe
  • Plain, Sara
  • George, Tracey
  • Graham, Kathryn
  • Bernards, Sharon
  • Brubacher, Laura Jane
  • Wells, Samantha

Abstract

We report on the system of care and sources of strength and resilience for mental health among First Nations People experiencing the impacts of historical and contemporary colonization. Aamjiwnaang First Nation, a vibrant community of approximately 2400 members in southwestern Ontario, Canada, partnered in research to reveal sources of strength and resilience among community members with lived experiences (PWLE) with mental health and/or substance use challenges. A thematic content analysis was done using qualitative data collected as part of two complementary studies. In the first study called the “Five Views on a Journey” study, interviews with PWLE and family members of PWLE were conducted to better understand strengths and deficits in the system of care for mental health and substance use. In the second study entitled “A Strengths-Based Approach to Understanding How First Nations People Cope with Stress and Trauma,” Photovoice was used to examine sources of strength and resilience among PWLE. Combined, these studies revealed that mental health supports and services that are trustworthy, open, and confidential are foundational to healing, helping PWLE find pathways to wellness by engendering feelings of hope, self-worth and pride. The integral roles of Anishinaabe culture and cultural identity as well as strong connections with family and community were key sources of strength and resilience. Our findings are discussed in the context of Aamjiwnaang's informal and formal systems of care, culture as wellness, inner strength, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action.

Suggested Citation

  • Morton Ninomiya, Melody E. & Tanner, Bryan & Peach, Laura J. & George, Ningwakwe & Plain, Sara & George, Tracey & Graham, Kathryn & Bernards, Sharon & Brubacher, Laura Jane & Wells, Samantha, 2022. "Anishinabek sources of strength: Learning from First Nations people who have experienced mental health and substance use challenges," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 309(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:309:y:2022:i:c:s0277953622005032
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115197
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Castleden, Heather & Garvin, Theresa & First Nation, Huu-ay-aht, 2008. "Modifying Photovoice for community-based participatory Indigenous research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(6), pages 1393-1405, March.
    2. Ward, Leonor M. & Hill, Mary Janet & Picard, Annie & Olsen Harper, Anita & Chreim, Samia & Wells, Samantha, 2021. "A process of healing for the Labrador Innu: Improving health and wellbeing in the context of historical and contemporary colonialism," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    3. Nelson, Sarah E. & Wilson, Kathi, 2018. "Understanding barriers to health care access through cultural safety and ethical space: Indigenous people's experiences in Prince George, Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 218(C), pages 21-27.
    4. Nelson, Sarah E. & Wilson, Kathi, 2017. "The mental health of Indigenous peoples in Canada: A critical review of research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 93-112.
    5. Brady, Maggie, 1995. "Culture in treatment, culture as treatment. A critical appraisal of developments in addictions programs for indigenous North Americans and Australians," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 41(11), pages 1487-1498, December.
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    1. Bryan Tanner & Sara Plain & Tracey George & Julie George & Christopher J. Mushquash & Sharon Bernards & Melody Morton Ninomiya & Samantha Wells, 2022. "Understanding Social Determinants of First Nations Health Using a Four-Domain Model of Health and Wellness Based on the Medicine Wheel: Findings from a Community Survey in One First Nation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-10, February.

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