Monique D Auger1. 1. Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Canada. Electronic address: monique.auger@gmail.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This article aims to contribute to an increased understanding of Métis people's experiences with respect to mental health and wellness through sharing the perspectives, journeys and needs of Métis people in British Columbia (BC), Canada. STUDY DESIGN: This research utilized qualitative methods, within an Indigenous research paradigm, as a formative approach to understanding Métis people's experiences with mental health. METHODS: Participants were recruited in partnership with Métis communities and urban Indigenous organizations, through the distribution of online and hard copy posters. Semistructured, conversational interviews were conducted with 33 Métis participants, including 23 women and 10 men, aged 19-84 years (average = 46 years). Data were thematically analyzed using constant comparison analysis. RESULTS: Mental health was recognized as a priority for Métis people in BC, as participants emphasized the importance of addressing mental health disparities for Métis people, and the inequities in which they are rooted. They also spoke about a need for increased access to culturally responsive health care-spanning both Western and traditional systems. CONCLUSIONS: Increased research is needed to highlight and understand the experiences of Métis people, both within BC and across Canada, to help to reshape the health-care system to become more inclusive of and responsive to Métis needs.
OBJECTIVES: This article aims to contribute to an increased understanding of Métis people's experiences with respect to mental health and wellness through sharing the perspectives, journeys and needs of Métis people in British Columbia (BC), Canada. STUDY DESIGN: This research utilized qualitative methods, within an Indigenous research paradigm, as a formative approach to understanding Métis people's experiences with mental health. METHODS:Participants were recruited in partnership with Métis communities and urban Indigenous organizations, through the distribution of online and hard copy posters. Semistructured, conversational interviews were conducted with 33 Métis participants, including 23 women and 10 men, aged 19-84 years (average = 46 years). Data were thematically analyzed using constant comparison analysis. RESULTS: Mental health was recognized as a priority for Métis people in BC, as participants emphasized the importance of addressing mental health disparities for Métis people, and the inequities in which they are rooted. They also spoke about a need for increased access to culturally responsive health care-spanning both Western and traditional systems. CONCLUSIONS: Increased research is needed to highlight and understand the experiences of Métis people, both within BC and across Canada, to help to reshape the health-care system to become more inclusive of and responsive to Métis needs.
Authors: Alana Gall; Kate Anderson; Kirsten Howard; Abbey Diaz; Alexandra King; Esther Willing; Michele Connolly; Daniel Lindsay; Gail Garvey Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-05-28 Impact factor: 3.390