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Native Persons: An Assessment of their Relationship to the Dominant Culture and Challenges for Change

Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
September 1982

Abstract

The paper identifies and examines some of the economic, political, religious and social structures created by the dominant white culture and their effects on the mental well-being of the Cree and Ojibwa people residing in Northwestern Ontario. Two major clusters of problems are identified: (i) community power-loss and disenfranchisement and (ii) the establishment of norms which diminish the identity and self-esteem of native persons. Actions which deal with both kinds of power-loss are suggested. The range of goals for these activities include more effective integration, cross cultural considerations and native control over community and resource development. Important functions are identified for community psychologists in program and community assessment and development, public education and advocacy.

Résumé

L'article identifie et examine certaines structures économiques, politiques, religieuses et sociales créées par la culture dominante des Blancs ainsi que leurs effets sur le bien-être mental des peuples Cri et Ojibwa. Deux séries de problèmes sont identifiés: (1) la perte des pouvoirs et des droits de la communauté et (2) l'établissement de normes qui diminuent l'identité et l'estime de soi des autochtones. On suggère des actions à entreprendre pour remédier à cette double perte de pouvoir. Les différents objectifs de ces démarches incluent une intégration plus efficace, la compréhension interculturelle et un contrôle autochtone sur le développement de la communauté et des ressources. Pour les psychologues communautaires, il découle d'importantes fonctions pour la programmation, l'évaluation, le développement communautaire, l'éducation populaire et la défense des droits.

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Published In

cover image Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 1Number 2September 1982
Pages: 21 - 31

History

Version of record online: 23 April 2009

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Edward M. Bennett
Wilfrid Laurier University

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Cited by

1. The Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health From 1982 to 2006: A Content Analysis

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