Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Racism is a major issue experienced by Aboriginal individuals in the context of colonized Canada. In particular, Aboriginal individuals have reported racism when seeking mental health care. This is of particular concern considering the disproportionate mental health burdens that are faced by this population. In this community based participatory action study, the researcher has partnered with a women’s urban community organization to develop and conduct the research. Together, the participants will compare and discuss their experiences in the Canadian mental health care system compared to Aboriginal, community based, traditional mental health care. The role of gender and racism is explored to better understand how systemic racism exists in modern health care systems that impact mental illness recovery. The objective of the study is to identify pathways to mental health care that serve Aboriginal individuals in a cultural context. This study also aims to highlight resiliency through participant experiences which can strengthen and inform the Aboriginal community. The third objective of the study is to adhere to Aboriginal research protocols throughout the research process and thereby producing a cross-cultural research example of ethical research involving Aboriginal Peoples that may inform future health research that considers the role of culture.