Anishinabek sources of strength: Learning from First Nations people who have experienced mental health and substance use challenges. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morton Ninomiya, Melody E.; Tanner, Bryan; Peach, Laura J.; George, Ningwakwe; Plain, Sara; George, Tracey; Graham, Kathryn; Bernards, Sharon; Brubacher, Laura Jane; Wells, Samantha
• Is Part Of: Social science & medicine. Volume 309(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: First Nations -- Anishinaabe -- Anishinabek -- Mental health -- Substance use -- Addiction -- Photovoice -- Strength -- Resilience -- Healing; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Medical anthropology -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine sociale -- Périodiques; Anthropologie médicale -- Périodiques; Santé publique -- Périodiques; Psychologie -- Périodiques; Médecine -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115197
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-9536

Abstract

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. Highlights: Mental health and substance use studies rarely focus on strength and resilience. Results based on combined analyses of two qualitative studies. Kinship, community, and culture are key sources of strength and resilience. Effective formal supports are primarily Indigenous-led and culturally-informed.