Mental Health Workshop

Since 2007 the ICHR has partnered with other northern organizations to work on various research projects.  Throughout these projects and discussions with various northern communities, Mental Health was identified as a significant issue that warranted further focused attention and research.  This issue also overlapped themes identified by ICHR for development such as improving health systems performance, monitoring changing population heath status, and understanding the socioeconomic determinants of health.

In May 2009, associates of the Institute met with several stakeholders to discuss the need to develop health research projects throughout the NWT.  Susan Chatwood, Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox and Denise Kurszewski (ICHR) met with Arlene Hache (Centre for Northern Families), Kay Lewis (Stanton Regional Health Authority), and Julia Christensen (PhD Student, McGill University).  Individuals from this group, along with new stakeholders such as Arlene Jorgensen (BDRHSSA), Jennifer Johnson (IRC), Suzanne Stewart (Uof T) and Dene Elder Besha Blondin met during the 14^th International Congress on Circumpolar Health, July 11-16, 2009 in Yellowknife.

During these discussions there were several topics brought out. Of significant importance was addictions, the tendency for northerners from the smaller communities to gravitate to the larger centres such as Inuvik and Yellowknife, and the visible increase in homelessness.  Further, there was discussion around the need for increased services for those suffering from anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental illness as well as improving the link between culture and service delivery.

The ICHR undertook a commitment to the group to apply for a research grant to hold a stakeholders workshop in Yellowknife.  With the support of the stakeholders present as well as the Délįnę Land Corporation and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox applied for and received a grant for a workshop, which was held October 6 and 7, 2009.  The purpose of the workshop was to:

• Bring together community-based northern stakeholders with academic researchers to discuss potential projects
• Facilitate networking among the stakeholders
• Provide opportunity for researchers and community organizations to discuss potential research projects

Despite the fact that several participants were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, the group had meaningful discussions exploring shared research priorities and what specific projects might put priorities into action.  During the discussion of potential next steps, participants emphasized the need for ongoing networking, and for a follow-up meeting to discuss research and priorities more substantively.  The network created by the meeting will be the forum through which members can continue to work with and support each other as mental health research projects and ideas continue to develop.

Participant Presentations and Concerns

The venue for the workshop was the Baker Centre in Yellowknife.  The format was a circle dialogue with opening and closing prayers and prayer songs. Participants had the opportunity to make presentations.  The following captures the key elements of presentations made:

Centre for Northern Families – Arlene Hache

Arlene’s interest is generated by a combination of her own experience and from working with women struggling with mental health problems who are clients of the Centre.  Her primary concern is that there is good work being done and that what works for the women in these situations in the North is unique – there is an urgent need to document what is working and present evidence of that to the funders. The Centre is currently involved in homelessness research and on a proposal (tri-territorial) to do research on the relationship between mental health and homelessness. Arlene is the Executive Director for the Centre for Northern Familles.

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation – Jennifer Johnson

The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (along with Beaufort Delta Regional Health and Social Services) is undertaking a mental health model as part of the work resulting from the Mackenzie Gas Project Impact Planning Process.  The project responds to findings of an extensive consultation process that will underwrite the project.  Detailed overview of the project process, objectives, and intended outcomes were provided.

University of Albert/Community of Délįnę – Vera Cain

Vera represented Danny Gaudet of Délįnę, who was unable to attend the workshop.  At the request of Danny, she spoke about the Délįnę Mental Health needs identified by the Deline Uranium Team activities.  Vera provided an overview of the research process and the findings, and the aspirations of the community with respect to putting the research to action.  She emphasized the importance of cultural wellness as a basis for mental health wellness.  Vera works in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta, and spent time in the community of Délįnę as the health and social program coordinator under the Délįnę Uranium Team.

Beaufort Delta Regional Health and Social Services Authority (BDRHSSA) – Arlene Jorgensen

Arlene discussed some of the challenges experienced by the BDRHSSA with respect to determining its role in mental health services and research.  She emphasized that there is a fine balance between supporting the communities in taking ownership of their programs and ensuring that is maintained, and ensuring that government fulfills its roll.  Her concerns are more questions about where does government fit, and how do we identify that in relation to other work of other organizations.

Institute for Circumpolar Health Research – Denise Kurszewski

As the past Wellness Manager for the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Denise is well aware of the extent of the impact of colonization on the people in all of the communities, and knows that it is extensive and relevant to so much.  One issue that needs addressing is that the front line staff such as doctors do not know the people, the history, cultural background or needs, yet are responsible for making decisions about them.  Social determinants of health are so relevant to health and needs to be examined.  Priorities and needs for research need to be identified by people getting together to discuss, there needs to be a balance between the community and academic needs. Denise is the Director of Research Development for the ICHR.

Government of Northwest Territories, Dept. of Health – Sara Chorostkowski

The importance of culturally relevant mental health programs was stressed, along with the need for communities to work with governments and other organizations.  In the north, it is important to focus on what works within the community and its context.  The ICHR is willing to assist in projects where sensible and necessary.

Four Worlds Centre for Development Learning – Judy Bopp

Four Worlds is developing a tri-territorial research proposal on the relationship between homelessness and mental health which will be done through different streams.  It will focus in part on intergenerational issues.  Current services do not account for that nor for Aboriginal cultural traditions that may be relevant. The project will in part be directed at giving a language to mental health – a way to discuss the issues and make them relevant within the discourse of policy.  It will be a 2 year project and are currently preparing a funding proposal.

Orineida Counselling Services – Leslie Williamson

Leslie is based in Williams Lake however has worked with Aboriginal people throughout western and northern Canada.  Trauma among Aboriginal people is widespread. She has heard many stories from the communities she has worked with and her approach is to empower people to be themselves and to succeed.

Institute for Circumpolar Health Research – Susan Chatwood

Susan’s perspective is shaped by a quantitative approach and is aware of the issues around the use of numbers and statistics.  When doing projects, it is important to look at things critically, qualitative and quantitative.  In doing research it is important to work with communities and the ICHR is interested in partnering with interested organizations on mental health research projects.

Stanton Territorial Hospital – Kevin Grinsted

The Mental Health Services at Stanton have a long history and have gone through a number of changes.  In recent years there has been a progressive downsizing in staff and associated budgets.  We are doing less now than was done 20 years ago, while the population is increasing along with the demand for services.  He is pleased to hear about the progress that has been made in services and understandings around what communities need.  He hopes for more networking and is willing to provide information and talk with people.

Although many of the participants who had registered were unable to attend, there were a variety of organizations and governments represented and the discussions throughout the two days were focused on potential areas of research focus, priorities, factors to consider when doing research and the research ethics process. The participants had extensive experience throughout the Northwest Territories and Yukon in working directly with clients or in service delivery.

Next Steps

Discussions were held about how to move forward with the ideas raised at the meeting and how to convene a  follow-up meeting with more community people involved.  It was also felt that it would be a good idea to have the meeting in a community or out on the land.  The follow-up meeting would be an opportunity to do a work plan with research timelines.  The group will continue networking via email and ICHR can use its website for knowledge dissemination and provide assistance with developing proposals.

ICHR would like to thank our fellow sponsors: