Improving indigenous mental health care based on the First Nation’s Mental Wellness Continuum Framework

Abstract

Background: Indigenous Canadians are more likely to suffer from both physical and mental illnesses as compared to the general population (Nelson & Wilson, 2017). This multifaceted issue is attributed to socio-economic disparities that are a direct result of the historical impacts of colonialism. Indigenous Canadians continue to experience negative consequences of colonialism, as well marginalization and discrimination, especially when navigating the health care system. The current biomedical model fails to meet the mental health needs of Indigenous people. The purpose of this practicum is to develop an educational workshop to provide to front-line home support staff with the knowledge and skills to optimize Indigenous mental health care delivered through the Nunatsiavut Government’s home support program. Methods: The methods, guided by Canadian First Nation’s Mental Wellness Continuum Framework by Health Canada (2015), included an integrative review on Indigenous mental health care in community settings, and an in-depth consultation with management, home support staff, and clients, for the purposes of obtaining broad local perspectives. Results: Key results from the integrative review included: the importance of practicing cultural safety and holism during care provision, maintaining worker wellness through self-care, the development of therapeutic relationships between providers and clients, and self-determination for Indigenous care-recipients. The consultation revealed many positive impacts the home support program currently has, additional educational needs for staff, cultural care needs for clients, and various traditional self-care techniques. Conclusion: The framework, integrative review, and consultations were all integral components in the development of this educational workshop, which seeks to engage and empower home support staff to deliver optimal mental health care that is both fulfilling to both the provider and client.