The Mental Health of Aboriginal Peoples: Transformations of Identity and Community

• Published in: Canadian journal of psychiatry Vol. 45; no. 7; pp. 607 - 616
• Main Authors: Kirmayer, Laurence J, Brass, Gregory M, Tait, Caroline L
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.09.2000; Canadian Psychiatric Association; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Anthropology, Cultural; Biological and medical sciences; Canada; Cultural Diversity; Cultural identity; Health aspects; Health services; Humans; Indians, North American - psychology; Inuits - psychology; Medical sciences; Mental Disorders - ethnology; Mental health care; Native peoples; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Social Environment; Social Identification; Social psychiatry. Ethnopsychiatry; Sociocultural environment; Canada; North America; America; colonialism; epidemiology; First Nations; Inuit; Aboriginal mental health; culture; suicide; Métis; psychiatric services; ethnography; Cree; Mood disorder; Social environment; Human; Prevalence; Violence; Alcoholism; Mental health; Well being; Depression; Personal identity; Suicide; Epidemiology; Mixed race; Health policy; Etiology; Cultural environment; Aboriginal; Mental disorder; Social aspect; Colonization; Community; Public health
• ISSN: 0706-7437; 1497-0015
• DOI: 10.1177/070674370004500702

This paper reviews some recent research on the mental health of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis of Canada. We summarize evidence for the social origins of mental health problems and illustrate the ongoing responses of individuals and communities to the legacy of colonization. Cultural discontinuity and oppression have been linked to high rates of depression, alcoholism, suicide, and violence in many communities, with the greatest impact on youth. Despite these challenges, many communities have done well, and research is needed to identify the factors that promote wellness. Cultural psychiatry can contribute to rethinking mental health services and health promotion for indigenous populations and communities.