What are contemporary best self-governance health care practices for suicide prevention and intervention among Aboriginal communities in Ontario?
The large number of suicides among First Nation youth has sparked considerable debate about the need for Aboriginal self-governance. Central to this debate is the discussion that the initiation of an Aboriginal self-governance would be beneficial in addressing Indigenous mental health care issues that frequently precipitate suicide ideation and attempts in this community. Responding to the need for proper Aboriginal mental health care through practices of self-governance has led to the making of #IdleNoMore. The #IdleNoMore campaign first appeared in November 2012 when a Cree woman in Alberta upheld …show more content…
However, it is important to note that creating culturally relevant models of suicide prevention requires understanding and attention to specific risk factors. It is not uncommon to see documented risk factors similar to those of non-Aboriginal youth, including male gender, history of substance abuse (especially solvents or inhalants), history of a psychiatric problem, parental history of substance abuse or psychiatric problem, feelings of alienation from the community, history of physical abuse (Petawabano et al., 1994). However, given that Indigenous youth tend to attempt and commit suicide more often to their counterpart (Petawabano et al., 1994), it is important to consider other factors contributing to this divide. Such factors can be drawn through the cultivation of “document culture which is a key ingredient in the creation of an independent nation” (Brown and Dugiud, 1996, p, 4). Literature has pointed to the erosion of a strong cultural identity as one important contributing factor; which is important for the development of a strong sense of self, self-esteem, and resilience (Kirmayer, Simpson & Cargo, 2003). In consideration of this, planning and implementation of mental health services for this population should be inclusive of community voice and involvement; and ultimately, self-governance. As emphasized by #IdleNoMore mental health services to the Indigenous community should have a strong emphasis on individual and community care. It is also emphasized that mental health services should integrate tradition in order to properly assess, diagnose, and address mental health issues in Indigenous communities (Kirmayer, Simpson & Cargo, 2003). Such services go beyond the simple act of treating symptoms by identifying and addressing the
The large number of suicides among First Nation youth has sparked considerable debate about the need for Aboriginal self-governance. Central to this debate is the discussion that the initiation of an Aboriginal self-governance would be beneficial in addressing Indigenous mental health care issues that frequently precipitate suicide ideation and attempts in this community. Responding to the need for proper Aboriginal mental health care through practices of self-governance has led to the making of #IdleNoMore. The #IdleNoMore campaign first appeared in November 2012 when a Cree woman in Alberta upheld …show more content…
However, it is important to note that creating culturally relevant models of suicide prevention requires understanding and attention to specific risk factors. It is not uncommon to see documented risk factors similar to those of non-Aboriginal youth, including male gender, history of substance abuse (especially solvents or inhalants), history of a psychiatric problem, parental history of substance abuse or psychiatric problem, feelings of alienation from the community, history of physical abuse (Petawabano et al., 1994). However, given that Indigenous youth tend to attempt and commit suicide more often to their counterpart (Petawabano et al., 1994), it is important to consider other factors contributing to this divide. Such factors can be drawn through the cultivation of “document culture which is a key ingredient in the creation of an independent nation” (Brown and Dugiud, 1996, p, 4). Literature has pointed to the erosion of a strong cultural identity as one important contributing factor; which is important for the development of a strong sense of self, self-esteem, and resilience (Kirmayer, Simpson & Cargo, 2003). In consideration of this, planning and implementation of mental health services for this population should be inclusive of community voice and involvement; and ultimately, self-governance. As emphasized by #IdleNoMore mental health services to the Indigenous community should have a strong emphasis on individual and community care. It is also emphasized that mental health services should integrate tradition in order to properly assess, diagnose, and address mental health issues in Indigenous communities (Kirmayer, Simpson & Cargo, 2003). Such services go beyond the simple act of treating symptoms by identifying and addressing the