Beyond Care: Validating a First Nations Mental Wellness Framework
Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
5 April 2021
Abstract
Worldwide, Indigenous peoples focus on being well rather than merely managing diseases and illnesses. We have elaborated on a mental wellness framework earlier developed with Manitoba First Nations (FN). This article further explores wider community perspectives in relation to the themes previously shared by FN Elders. Surveys were administered to a simple random sample of participants by household in 8 participating FN communities. We determined what resonates from the wellness framework in order to expand understanding of mental wellness in FN communities. Appropriate application of traditional health knowledge and practices may result in increased self-awareness and contribute to mental well-being in FN people.
Résumé
Partout dans le monde, les peuples autochtones se concentrent sur le bien-être plutôt que sur la gestion des maladies. Nous avons précédemment détaillé un cadre de bien-être mental élaboré avec certains aînés des Premières Nations (PN) du Manitoba. Nous présentons ici des perspectives plus larges en lien avec les thèmes précédemment abordés avec ces aînés. Les enquêtes ont porté sur un échantillon aléatoire de familles issues de 8 communautés des PN. Nos résultats nous ont permis de définir un cadre plus large du mieux-être en incluant l’application appropriée des connaissances et pratiques traditionnelles en matière de santé, avec pour effet d’augmenter la prise de conscience et de contribuer ainsi au bien-être mental des PN.
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Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 40 • Number 1 • May 2021
Pages: 67 - 80
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Version of record online: 5 April 2021
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Grace Kyoon-Achan, Naser Ibrahim, Rachel Eni, Wanda Phillips-Beck, Josée Lavoie, Kathi Avery Kinew, and Alan Katz. 2021. Beyond Care: Validating a First Nations Mental Wellness Framework. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health.
40(1): 67-80. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2021-005
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