Ha brotado una rosa

circumstances, rights, and cultures.

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures and holistic understandings of the world have much to contribute to the transformation of the mental health system in Canada. The priorities identified here are important for everyone living in Canada, just as the rest of the priorities and recommendations for action set out in the Strategy also apply to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

This Strategic Direction includes distinct streams for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. While there are certainly similarities in each stream, this approach respects the important differences in the culture and history of each group, and the distinct rights established through treaties, legislation, self-government agreements, and other means. It is also in keeping with the call for nation-to-nation relationships that was expressed by the 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.229

At the same time, some common priorities have been identified regarding the mental health needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in urban and rural areas, and with respect to several complex social issues that have an impact on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis mental health regardless of where people live. The unique needs of people living in northern and remote communities (including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) are addressed in Strategic Direction 4.

Priorities for action have been developed through on-going dialogue with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, the Native Women’s Association of Canada, and other stakeholder organizations such as the National Association of Friendship Centres. The prior- ities in this section of the Strategy are broad and are intended to support more detailed priorities and planning at national, regional, and community levels.

This Strategic Direction places a strong emphasis on the on-going efforts by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families and communities to heal from the intergenerational impacts of colonization. A broad range of legislation and policies aimed at assimilation have undermined mental health and well-being for more than 200 years. For example, residential schools and the child welfare system have disrupted the ability of parents and Elders to pass on traditional ways of parenting, language and other cultural knowledge.230 This has contributed to high rates of

mental health problems, addictions, and suicide among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, linked with complex prob- lems such as family violence and involvement in the criminal justice and child welfare systems.

MHCC Cultural Safety Project. 231, 232 Led by the MHCC First Nations, Inuit and Métis Advisory Committee, this project is

focused on improving our understanding of cultural safety and relational practice, including best and promising practices in the Canadian context, a curriculum for cultural safety and cultural competence education, and a supporting DVD.

To support healing from the intergenerational impacts of colonization, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis—wherever they reside—need access to a full continuum of culturally safe mental health services, treatments and supports, delivered through a collaboration of mainstream and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations. Cultural safety is grounded in indigenous knowledge and experience, and is based on the recognition of cultural diversity and the influence that social inequalities and imbalances of power have on relationships between the service pro- vider and service user. On-going efforts by all levels of government to address broader, systemic issues such as racism, governance, and poverty are also needed.

Although suicide is not a universal problem in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, it is a significant challenge in many such communities across the country.233 First Nations youth commit suicide about five to six

times more often than non-Aboriginal youth. The suicide rates for Inuit are among the highest in the world, at 11 times the national average, and for young Inuit men the rates are 28 times higher.234, 235 Less is known about

suicide rates among Métis.

Just as for the population as a whole, mental health and suicide need to be addressed together through the promotion of good mental health for all; the prevention of mental health problems for those at risk; early iden- tification and timely access to services, treatments and supports for mental health problems and illnesses; and the reduction of the stigma of mental health problems and illnesses. The recommendations in this Strategic Direction, along with the recommendations in the Strategy as a whole, will contribute to preventing suicide among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, while also helping to reduce the impact of mental health problems and illnesses.

With its strong focus on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis mental health issues, this Strategy can contribute to raising awareness across the country and help to inform the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process that is currently underway. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has a five-year mandate that extends through to 2014, which entails gathering statements from individuals affected by residential schools, as well as hosting a series of national gatherings to promote and foster reconciliation.

There is an emerging and compelling desire to put the events of the past behind us so that we can work towards a stronger and healthier future. The truth-telling and reconciliation process as part of an overall holistic and comprehensive response to the Indian Residential School legacy is a sincere indication and acknowledgment of the injustices and harms experienced by Aboriginal people and the need for continued healing. The truth of our common experiences will help set our spirits free and pave the way to reconciliation.

PRIORITY 5.1

Establish a coordinated continuum of mental wellness services