Page 64 - Walking_The_Red_Road

One participant’s comment emphasized the need to learn “how” to incorporate traditional practices. Several commented that service providers needed more knowledge in “working with people who have mental health issues” overall. Participants also mentioned the importance of knowing more about “interventions/teachings” that are helpful and effective: “We need to measure our outcomes, have evidence-based work.” Cultural safety training
would increase knowledge, skills and practice accountability.
Because both Aboriginal and non-aboriginal service providers participated in the focus groups, as issues or problems were mentioned, others responded with solutions, confirming the need for and benefits of cross-cultural sharing and networking.
Important Aboriginal resources—people, healers, Elders—could be better integrated.
The human resource capacity of Aboriginal
individuals as students, staff, volunteers, board
members, Elders, and healers is not being
maximized when it comes to providing culturally
competent services. Participants provided examples of what is working: placement students from the Aboriginal Mental Health Program at Canadore added cultural knowledge: “placement students come, they have been a great asset, and have often stayed on.” Others said, “It’s not the positions, but the people in the positions”; “Individuals [traditional healers] are equally important and are utilized as resources and supports for deaths, mental health support, crisis support.”
3. Aboriginal culture is fundamental to best practices, encompassing everything from physical space and time to activities and services.
There is rich knowledge and experience in our community. Cultural safety training across all services will help spread best practices and help agencies see the benefits of expanding roles
for Aboriginal community members throughout their organizations. Service providers want more opportunities for learning and sharing knowledge and experience through networking.
Walking the Red Road | REPORT OF THE URBAN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES THRIVE PROJECT
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Many people have already gone to training, but they say, “What now?” There are no tools. We need to get something out of it. Something to use.
Participant
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Our approach to mental health
is much more fluid.
Participant