What is Culturally Safe Indigenous Housing?
Reprinted from the Housing as a Human Right issue of Visions Journal, 2022, 17 (2), pp. 11-12
Don’t simply survive. Live!
Reprinted from the "Responding to Feelings" issue of Visions Journal, 2021, 16 (4), pp. 9-11
Ending Systemic Racism and Building a System of Justice
Reprinted from the "Systemic Racism" issue of Visions Journal, 2021, 16 (3), pp. 17-19
S-kee-ax
"He is going crazy"
Reprinted from the COVID-19 issue of Visions Journal, 16 (2), pp. 19-23
My story, I believe, is a reflection of what life is like for an Indigenous person growing up with the ongoing impacts of the colonization experience in Canada. My name is Saa Hiil Thut, aka Gerry Oldman. I am St'át'imc, from Shalalth, BC.
First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day Program
The First Nations Health Authority’s First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day Program helps all First Nations community members in BC connect with a doctor no matter where they live. Doctors either have lived experience or training in cultural safety and humility. Learn how to access this innovative program.
It Is Different in the North
Working in northern BC comes with challenges. Staffing shortages mean that one person has to fill many roles. Knowing everyone in town can lead to conflict when people need privacy. Racism and lack of culturally appropriate services leave many Indigenous people without the right supports. For Shamalla, a mental health and addictions clinician serving five First Nations communities, different is also a good thing. It means that she can meet people where they are), build stronger relationships, and feel the rhythm of the land.
Rigorous Evidence for Rural Health Care Planning
Remoteness is a significant barrier to mental health and substance use care for Indigenous communities. The First Nations Health Authority and Centre for Rural Health Research at the University of BC are working together to look at better approaches, such as culturally safe outpatient treatment services in remote communities and wraparound supports.
The Happiest Person You Know
When Seren had to share a culture as part of her class’ International Day, she picked Ukraine because she was too embarrassed of her own Indigenous culture. Even though she wanted a relationship with her heritage, she and her family also experienced racism. Find out how Seren put the pieces together between her mental well-being and her relationship with Indigenous culture to start a journey of healing.
Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Aboriginal people
Bipolar disorder is an illness in which people have mood swings that are out of proportion to what is going on in their lives. You experience emotional highs (called mania) and lows (called depression), with periods of normal mood in between.
Indigenous People
Reconciliation comes from truth and understanding, from acknowledging the past and present in order to build a more just and equitable future. Over 6,750 people shared their experiences of the Indian Residential School System with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Their testimony shed light on policies and practices so that all Canadians can bear witness and have better knowledge of the experiences of their Indigenous neighbours and community members. In its small way, this issue of Visions aims to give a voice to the mental health challenges—and resilience—of Aboriginal or ‘Indigenous’ community members in BC.
