1. Bioenergy development and the implications for the social wellbeing of Indigenous peoples in Canada
This Research paper focuses on wellbeing as an important concept relating to bioenergy development in Canada. They use a three-dimensional or social approach to understanding wellbeing, which includes subjective and relational aspects in addition to the more traditional material dimension of wellbeing.
2. Mental health and substance use in an urban First Nations population in Hamilton, Ontario
This research paper focuses on Mental health and substance use have been identified as health priorities currently facing Indigenous peoples in Canada; however, accessible and culturally relevant population health data for this group are almost non-existent.
3. Advancing Indigenous Mental Health Research: Ethical, conceptual and methodological challenges
The articles in this issue of Transcultural Psychiatry point the way toward meaningful advances in mental health research pertaining to Indigenous peoples, illuminating the distinctive problems and predicaments that confront these communities as well as unrecognized or neglected sources of well-being and resilience.
A severe disparity exists in Canada when it comes to providing basic health, mental health, and other public services for Indigenous children and youth. In a landmark decision to address these discrepancies, Jordan's Principle was introduced as a child-first principle designed to ensure that Indigenous children and youth were not exposed to jurisdictional or administrative barriers or disputes that would prevent their access to care. This paper examined the literature to identify the complexity of policymaking and the ongoing disparity related to access to health and mental health care by Indigenous children and youth in Canada
Mental health and wellbeing, including addressing impacts of historical trauma and substance use among young people, has been identified as a key priority by Indigenous communities and leaders across Canada and globally. Yet, research to understand mental health among young Indigenous people who have used drugs is limited. The aim is to examine longitudinal risk and strengths-based factors associated with psychological distress among young Indigenous people who use drugs.
The aim of the research is to describe a community-specific and culturally coherent approach to youth mental health services in a small and remote northern Indigenous community in Canada's Northwest Territories, under the framework of ACCESS Open Minds (ACCESS OM), a pan-Canadian youth mental health research and evaluation network.