Project 453135

Working with the communities, we plan to look into issues around mental wellness in First Nations people. We want to find the relationship between the house, the home and what makes for mental well being, or lack of it in community members. Poor house maintenance, substance abuse and family conflict are risk factors of mental wellness while good house maintenance, healthy behaviors, good childcare, food security are protective factors for mental wellness. Social loneliness and racism are risk factors for mental wellness while cultural ways, community infrastructure are protective factors for mental wellness. Poverty, colonization, residential schools are risk factors for mental wellness while language, culture and heritage, and self-determination are protective for mental wellness. We will collect information on these risk and protective factors. Mental health outcomes include stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, substance abuse and suicidal ideation. The project will be based on the values embodied in Tipi Teachings. Tipi Teachings correspond to current concepts of determinants of positive mental health in Indigenous peoples. This is a chance for the communities to evaluate and promote fundamental issues around housing, the house as a home, the effect of these on mental wellness, and the way mental wellness affects the house and home. Results of this study will help the communities to deal with issues around the house, the home and mental wellness. Results of this study will impact health policy related to mental health for First Nations people.