Indigenous people in Canada often face barriers when seeking support for their mental health for a variety of reasons. These barriers can make for a less comfortable experience seeking and receiving mental health supports that are offered across Canada. In this article, we will take a look at what some of these systematic and cultural barriers are, and how to handle the challenges that they present.

Reasons Why Indigenous Peoples Face Barriers to Mental Health Supports 

1. Intergenerational/Historical Trauma and Distrust:
   The Indigenous people of Canada have survived through many attempts of cultural genocide perpetrated by the Canadian Government and Churches (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2020). This history can be understood and recognized through the Residential School System, the 60s Scoop, and national policies which have, and continue to, systematically disadvantage the Indigenous population. This narrative makes it difficult for many people of indigenous heritage to trust Euro-Westernized healthcare systems, which offer mental health services. Many indigenous peoples have faced mistreatment by healthcare systems in the past, resulting in a hesitancy or reluctance to seek support from organizations that may be perceived as having a lack of awareness or understanding of this history (Bombay, Matheson, & Anisman, 2009).
2. Different Views on Mental Health:
   In many Indigenous cultures, mental health is regarded as part of overall wellbeing, taking a holistic approach which includes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects; focusing on the whole person, rather than just the mind. Traditionally, in Western ideals, mental health has been treated with a more singular approach focusing on the mind, which does not always consider the holistic nature of Indigenous ways of being, leaving Indigenous peoples receiving treatment feeling disconnected from their beliefs (Kirmayer, Brass, & Tait, 2003). This can create a gap in the trusting relationship between the client and service provider, making it difficult to feel supported and understood by their mental health professional.
3. Stigma and Shame:
   In some Indigenous communities, individuals may feel a sense of embarrassment when seeking mental health support or fear of being judged by their family or community (Wexler, 2014). When one struggles independently, it can lead to Indigenous youth and adults using coping methods that do not support healthy overall well-being.
4. Lack of Access to Services:
   There are many Indigenous communities located in rural or remote areas of Canada where services are not accessible without substantial travel and financial resources. Other barriers to access include lack of information regarding services, access to funding or programs such as the Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB), and long wait lists for off- or on-reserve services (National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health [NCCIH], 2019).

How Can Indigenous Peoples Overcome These Barriers?
Even though there are challenges, receiving support while simultaneously respecting Indigenous culture is still possible! Here are some ways to overcome potential barriers:

1. Look for Culturally Sensitive Professionals and Agencies:
   Finding a mental health professional who has personal, academic, or professional knowledge and experience of Indigenous ways of being and culture can make a big difference. When looking for organizations, be on the look out for keywords such as holistic services and land acknowledgements. You may also call and inquire about NIHB funding and use within the practice, or inquire about possible culturally relevant healing services. When selecting a mental health professional, take a look at bios that may include academic distinction or a special focus on Indigenous culture, Indigenous background, or specific past work or training experience related to the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Most clinics will offer a free consultation for you to ask questions and to test your comfort level with your chosen mental health professional. You have the autonomy to choose and change your provider!
2. Use Traditional Healing Practices:
   It is possible and relevant to use a combined approach of traditional and Westernized approaches to mental health. It is important to know that you do not have to choose one over the other! Utilizing common Western talk therapy approaches with a mental health professional in combination with traditional on-reserve resources, such as ceremony and traditional medicines, may be what works best for you. Some service providers may be available to you who can incorporate both traditional and Western modalities in the same place (Kirmayer et al., 2003).
3. Reach Out to Your Community for Support:
   There is beauty and strength in community, and Indigenous communities hold a wealth of knowledge and resources for members of their communities for those who seek them. If you are hesitant to seek outside help, try leaning on a trusted friend, family member or community leader who may be able to support you on your journey and/or advocate for you when needed to get the support you are seeking.
4. Talk Openly About Your Needs:
   It is important to talk openly about what you are looking for when starting out with a new mental health professional. If you would like to incorporate traditional healing methods, use western approaches, or a combination of both, it is vital that you share this early on in your journey, so that your treatment can reflect your desires, needs, and values (George, 2016).
5. Advocate for More Services:
   There is a growing movement for increased implementation of mental health supports as outlined in the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action in Canada. It is valuable to get involved in advocating for new services and programs to be brought into existence. Sharing your experiences with community leaders and mental health organizations can help in the development of new resources for you and your community.

Final Thoughts:
Indigenous peoples in Canada face unique challenges when it comes to mental health care, but there are many ways to overcome these barriers. Seeking culturally sensitive professionals, using traditional healing practices, reaching out to family and community, and advocating for more resources can all help improve access to mental health services. In Brantford and the Six Nations of the Grand River, there are several resources available that combine both modern and traditional approaches to support Indigenous individuals. With the right support, everyone can work toward better mental health and healing.

We would encourage people to utilize The Brantford Region Indigenous Support Centre (BRISC) https://briscfc.org/ if they are looking for a good place to start and resources related to their mental health.

For more information about how we can support, or the NIHB program, call us at 519.302.2300 or email reception@brantmentalhealth.com.

Bibliography 

Bombay, A., Matheson, K., & Anisman, H. (2009). Intergenerational trauma: Convergence of multiple processes among First Nations peoples in Canada. International Journal of Indigenous Health, 5(3), 1-22.

George, U. (2016). The role of culture in the mental health of Indigenous peoples. Psychiatry International, 17(1), 2-6.

Goetz, C. J., Mushquash, C. J., & Maranzan, K. A. (2023). An integrative review of barriers and facilitators associated with mental health help seeking among Indigenous populations. Psychiatric Services, 74(3). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202100503

Glover, F. (2020, February 10). Indian Act: Plain language summary. The Canadian Encyclopedia.

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/indian-act-plain-language-summary?gad_so urce=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqIm_BhDnARIsAKBYcmsS_MCaBUBI43BEPO3DohXlIZbW1ovEqi3D-l TnSdJSGH5dOV2ftEoaAsJ_EALw_wcB

Greer, S. P., & Sharpe, D. L. (2013). Mental health services for First Nations people in Canada: Challenges and approaches. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 32(3), 55-67.

Kirmayer, L. J., Brass, G. M., & Tait, C. L. (2003). The mental health of Aboriginal peoples in Canada: Transformations of identity and community. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 48(7), 29S-39S.

National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health. (2019). Access to health services as a social determinant of First Nations, Inuit and Métis health.

https://www.nccih.ca/docs/determinants/FS-AccessHealthServicesSDOH-2019-EN.pdf

Richmond, C. A. M., & Ross, N. A. (2009). The impact of restructuring on health services and health care access in First Nations communities. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 100(5), 315-317.

The Canadian Encyclopedia. (2020, November 2). Genocide and Indigenous peoples in Canada. The Canadian Encyclopedia.

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/genocide-and-indigenous-peoples-in-canada

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). The 94 calls to action. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/abori ginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf

Varcoe, C., Pauly, B., Stamer, M., & Stout, M. (2013). Aboriginal people and mental health: What’s needed? Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 45(4), 60-78.