Note from the editor

CrossCurrents

The poor health status of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples is a well-known fact and a serious concern not only for Aboriginal Peoples but for all Canadians. A recent United Nations report shows that Canada’s ranking on the UN human development scale would substantially drop if aboriginal - First Nations, Inuit and Métis - health, social and economic conditions were addressed. Aboriginal peoples experience ill health, inferior health care, lower life expectancy and poverty. They have extraordinarily high rates of disease, substance abuse and suicide. As Health Canada stated in 2000, “Canada’s aboriginal people, as a group, are the most disadvantaged and have the poorest overall health status.”

To give voice to Aboriginal Peoples’ experience, many of the articles in this issue of CrossCurrents are written by aboriginal people or those who work with aboriginal clients. Bill Mussell, chairman of the Native Mental Health Association of Canada, begins the theme section with his thoughts on healthy aboriginal communities. He believes that the spirit that holds a relatively healthy group of families together is embedded in community and that bringing addiction and mental health resources together at the community level could do a great deal to restore family and community wellness.

Cornelia Wieman, Canada’s first female aboriginal psychiatrist, discusses how traditional aboriginal teachings and Western clinical practices can complement each other to create a culturally sensitive model of healing. Joseph Winter describes the difference between commercial and traditional tobacco use and how aboriginal communities need to use tobacco responsibly and respectfully.

Peter Menzies, manager of Aboriginal Services here at CAMH, discusses intergenerational trauma - the impact of multiple generations of Aboriginal Peoples experiencing trauma after being removed from family and community. He argues that consideration of intergenerational trauma in the diagnosis and treatment of addiction and mental health issues among aboriginal people requires an appreciation for the political, historical and social environment from which aboriginal individuals, families and communities have emerged.

Rick Mayoh, a residential counsellor at Canada’s only Inuit-specific trauma and addiction treatment centre, discusses Inuit approaches to healing within the context of the trauma that group has experienced within a relatively short period in Canadian history.

Astrid Van Den Broek profiles a substance use treatment program for aboriginal offenders. The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples has stated that the Canadian criminal justice system has failed Aboriginal Peoples in all territorial and governmental jurisdictions. A culturally specific program may be a good start to addressing the unique needs of aboriginal offenders.

The Q&A poses questions about benzodiazepine overprescription among aboriginal women.

Following up on the Last Word column in the summer issue, this issue presents a consumer/survivor perspective on supportive housing.

Enjoy this thought-provoking issue. Send us your comments and ideas. It is your input that furthers the dialogue around mental health and addiction issues.

Hema Zbogar
tel 416 595-6714
hema_zbogar@camh.net

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