[REX]

This is a question a participant asked during a workshop but it’s worth asking here so folks who didn’t attend can see:

For ways to offer programming that is culturally inclusive to Indigenous people, do you have any suggestions? I fear that I may offer services that may unintentionally harm from lack of knowledge. Do you have any resources you could share for seeking more information?

[Cyndy]

First of all, one has to understand that there is no such thing as an Indigenous culture, rather there are hundreds according to the land that the people are on. We are diverse in terms of languages, specific spiritual and cultural practices, whether we live in First Nations communities or in urban centres, what we believe and practice etc. What we all have in common is Indigenous worldviews and values which are the foundation. Cultures grow out of this foundation. I recognize this in every group of Indigenous people I encounter across the world which is magical. Again, cultural safety is a good place to begin from as this model was first created by a Maori nurse in NZ and has been built on over the years by other Indigenous people. There are articles on this that you can access. There may be some in the references that were provided after the workshop.

A way to support Indigenous people is to learn and have on hand various Indigenous services that are in the vicinity of where you work where you can refer people and with whom you can develop relationships and partnerships with so that you are working together. Educate yourself for the rest of your life by the above, reading the work of Indigenous scholars, attending more workshops, bringing Indigenous people in to work at your agency in ways that do not tokenize them. You also need to be self-reflexive whereby you honestly examine your biases, assumptions and privileges, which we all have, and work towards lessening them which will assist you in uncovering the unintentional harm you could be doing.

Since my area is social work, I am most familiar with Indigenous scholars who write about services from this perspective. Some of these are me (for example, I have a book called Strong helpers’ teachings: The value of Indigenous knowledges in the helping professions), Cindy Blackstock, Maggie Kovach, Michael Hart, Raven Sinclair, Kathy Absolon, Ruth Koleszar-Green, Jeanne Carriere, Bonnie Freedman. There is also a program at Ryerson in the Chang School of Continuing Education for a Certificate in Aboriginal Knowledges and Experiences that you could look into.

Happy learning,

Cyndy

[Jennifer]

Hi Dr. Baskin, thanks for your illuminating workshop last week!

I have a 2 questions for you:

1. How would you respond to Samah Jabr, head of Palestine’s mental health services, saying that PTSD is a Western concept? What she’s saying resonates a lot with me, as someone whose PTSD and collective traumas interact with and compound each other.

‘PTSD better describes the experiences of an American soldier who goes to Iraq to bomb and go back to the safety of the United States. He’s having nightmares and fears related to the battlefield and his fears are imaginary. Whereas for a Palestinian in Gaza whose home was bombarded, the threat of having another bombardment is a very real one. It’s not imaginary. There is no ‘post’ because the trauma is repetitive and ongoing and continuous. I think we need to be authentic about our experiences and not to try to impose on ourselves experiences that are not ours.’ – Samah Jabr (LINK)

2. I love how you highlighted that justice in your holistic approach to healing. How can a non-Indigenous helper/practitioner prioritize/support/promote justice for Indigenous peoples in their own work?

[Cyndy]

Hi Jennifer:

For the most part, I agree with what Dr. Jabr is saying. Western notions are often put on other peoples on the planet which do not reflect their realities and worldviews and PTSD certainly comes from the West. I would say that PTSD applies to many other people in addition to soldiers as there are many traumas that one can experience. I would not want to lessen anyone’s experience of trauma as “imaginary” either. I completely agree that for many, such as a Palestinian in Gaza or an Indigenous person in Canada, that there is no “post” to the trauma as it goes on and on. Babies are born into this life of trauma and may grow up knowing nothing else. Hence, people other than those with Western concepts need to be brought into the circle with their ideas, beliefs, experiences and knowledges. PTSD is about an individual whereas collective trauma is about an entire group of people as it affects everyone and, if that is the case, then everyone needs to be a part of addressing it.

Everyone can promote justice for Indigenous Peoples in many ways. Learn more about it, connect with Indigenous programs that are implementing it such as Aboriginal Legal Services and seeing if the person can access their processes and services, seriously think through how justice from a Western perspective is not based on healing but it could be, consider the values behind each of these perspectives, have these discussions with those you work with. Rupert Ross, a non-Indigenous judge with a lot of experience in this area, has published books and articles on this topic, so I suggest looking at what he does. Gabor Mate is another suggestion as he looks at justice in terms of addictions. You can promote justice by taking a stand on issues such as fishing and land rights, missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2-spirt and trans women and implementing the TRC’s Calls to Action in ways that really contribute to making change, as well as considering what you are willing to give up in order for Indigenous Peoples to have justice. Also, Indigenous forms of justice can be applied to other populations in terms of it’s purpose of healing if that is what is believed without appropriating Indigenous practices.

Best, Cyndy

[Olive]

Thank you for the all the knowledge you shared on Tuesday Dr. Baskin. I was wondering, how do you suggest that medical professionals better adjust to meet the mental health needs of their patients who identify as indigenous? For example, for indigenous people who do seek Western mental health services, what practical steps can the service providers take to be sensitive to indigenous beliefs and customs, while offering help?

[Cyndy]

Hi Olive:

There is something called “Two Eyed Seeing” which was created by 2 Mi’kmaq Elders which talks about western medicine and Indigenous approaches to well-being. There are a few articles and videos you can access. There is a program at CAMH for Aboriginal Services, so checking out their website for their suggestions and resources would also be helpful. The other thing I highly recommend is the concept of cultural safety which you can also find articles on. Here is a link to an article on a research project that I was a part of that is about this in terms of Indigenous People’s cancer journeys https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/index.php/SWPS/article/view/14384/12847

Western practitioners can implement cultural safety, connect to Indigenous services, really listen to what people say, educate themselves, develop relationships with Indigenous agencies/service providers, express a welcoming environment by what they have in their work place and offices in terms of representations of Indigenous Peoples.

Hope this is helpful.

Cyndy