Page 67 - Walking_The_Red_Road

What is needed
Services that are “culturally safe,” accessible, and responsive to Aboriginal clients are the overall priority.
These services must be able to address numerous issues—current and historical—simultaneously.
Aboriginal knowledge, teachings and practices should be used more often in treatment with some describing these practices as “fundamental” and others saying that greater exposure to and participation in Aboriginal culture “is treatment.”
Numerous current and historical issues affect the mental health and well-being of community members. Services must be able to address numerous issues—current and historical—simultaneously. One participant’s comment was echoed by others: “Self-esteem, addictions, trauma, intergenerational trauma, bring it all together.” Another added, “continue to have these services available, when needed.”
Services must be easily found, available, accessible, safe and grounded in Aboriginal culture: “crisis line,” “counselling,” “housing,” “skill-building,” “follow-up—does not matter where they are.” “Family perspective” and processes that support recovery were mentioned as well. The need to move from cultural sensitivity in service to its more outcome- and standards-based counterpart cultural safety was emphasized.
More training for all service providers in Aboriginal approaches is needed to increase knowledge and awareness, and promote cross-cultural sharing and problem-solving.
Cultural safety across services could be
achieved through a co-ordinated education strategy for service providers and community members emphasizing training and tools to help organizations implement standards, policies and practices embodying the wealth of knowledge shared among both Aboriginal and non-aboriginal services and service providers. Many participants stressed the need for all service providers to have knowledge of Aboriginal history, traditions, and pactices including the medicine wheel. This would increase understanding regarding the ongoing legacy of colonization.
Priority issues identified by participants
alcohol addictions bullying depression
grief
overcoming abuse relationship anger self injury self-esteem suicide
trauma
intergenerational trauma
fathers suffering from the effects of post-partum
some Aboriginal people were in reform schools and treated very badly and they need the help dealing with all that
children and youth mental health
Walking the Red Road | REPORT OF THE URBAN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES THRIVE PROJECT | 67
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A young boy who was very aggressive had an addictions issue. So they had a traditional person on staff. The traditional staff was able to influence participation from this particular youth.
Participant