Visions Journal

PDF | Vol. 11, No. 4 (2016)

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. Mental health is at play everywhere and in everything: in past traumas and current unjust policies, in racism and stereotypes, in opportunities and service delivery. Despite the challenges, people can and are healing, through culture and community, family and balance. In this issue more than any other, contributors share from their multiple personal and professional roles and responsibilities. Listen to the wisdom of those who are healing, and follow the diverse paths that lead to wellness.

Background

• Editor's Message
  (Sarah Hamid-Balma)

• Glossary
  (Visions Staff)

• Intergenerational Trauma and Indigenous Healing
  (Evan Adams and Warren Clarmont)

• Why Aboriginal Peoples Can't Just "Get Over It": Understanding and addressing intergenerational trauma
  (Jeffrey Schiffer)

Experiences and Perspectives

• Vision Quests and Questioning Visions
  (Nicolas Leech-Crier)

• Walking the Red Road: Indigenous mental health from an Elder's perspective
  (Susan Tatoosh, as told to Stephanie Wilson)

• Surviving to Thriving: A personal journey in mental health
  (Jenz Malloway)

• Drawing from Métis Roots to Move Beyond Bipolar Disorder
  (Kim Bayer)

• Some Days a Printer Cable Makes Me Cry: Reflections on suicide—First Nations communities and beyond
  (Chris Lalonde)

• Shape Shifter or Schizophrenic? A personal perspective on implementing mental health programs in First Nations communities
  (Jacqueline McPherson)

Alternatives and Approaches

• What is Indigenous Cultural Safety—and Why Should I Care About It?
  (Cheryl Ward, Chelsea Branch and Alycia Fridkin)

• "Our Story, Our Journey, Our Strength": The new BC Schizophrenia Society Strengthening Families Together – First Nations pilot project
  (Cindy Charleyboy)

• Indigenizing Harm Reduction: Moving beyond the four-pillar model
  (Native Youth Sexual Health Network)

Resources