The Indigenous view of mental wellness is broad in scope, including aspects of health that Ontario’s medical and hospital services may not address very directly.

For Inuit, mental wellness is defined as self-esteem and personal dignity flowing from harmonious physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness, and cultural identity (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, 2014). The First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework (inset, at right) suggests that this balance is “enriched as individuals have a sense of purpose in their daily lives whether it is through education, employment, care giving activities, or cultural ways of being and doing; hope for the future and those of their families that is grounded in a sense of identity, unique Indigenous values, and having a belief in spirit; a sense of belonging and connectedness within their family and community and to culture; and finally a sense of meaning and an understanding of how their lives and those of their families and communities are part of creation and a rich history” (Health Canada & Assembly of First Nations, 2015).

There are also cultural differences in peoples’ views of family caregiving. The roles and responsibilities of the family caregiver are celebrated by Indigenous people, for the purpose that the role gives to the caregivers’ life, and for the value of caregiving to the individual and to the community as a whole.

As a result of these important cultural differences, local Mohawk, Métis and Indigenous people may be uncomfortable upon entering a hospital of community care facility for addiction or mental health care.

Of course, the people of Akwesasne can access health and wellness services for addiction and mental health on the reserve so that their need for care in an unfamiliar environment is unnecessary. But in times of crisis or when there is a perceived need for a specialized kind of medical care, Indigenous people will want to know what to expect and how to go about getting health care that is culturally safe, strengths-based, and family and community-oriented.

A referral from your reserve into a local hospital or community care facility may help to set your expectations and connect you directly with health providers who have received cultural sensitivity training. You can otherwise make inquiries on arrival, requesting care from a health care professional who has received training to interpret and understand your health and wellness needs and/or has recent experience working with people from your community.

Should you find yourself feeling uncomfortable in a health care setting, also know that it is your right to  express your feelings and explain your needs. You can also decline a recommended approach to care.