Stories of empowerment, resilience and healing

Indigenous peoples of Québec, such as the Inuit and Kanien'kehá:ka, have been exposed to traumatic experiences similar to other Indigenous groups all over the world. These populations were impacted by dispossession, disempowerment, and colonization histories. They acknowledge a need to heal from the past, the socio-economic disadvantages, and health inequalities they have endured. Despite the difficulties experienced by these populations, they have their own longstanding traditions of healing and resilience which are expressed through stories, ceremonies, and local languages. The resilience of the Inuit has been widely recognized, especially with regard to their ability to adapt to the difficult physical environment of the Arctic. We present the results of a multidisciplinary project conducted in collaboration with members of two Indigenous communities and their supporters in Québec. Through qualitative and participatory research methods, we have collected and analyzed the perspectives and narratives of people who work in community and mental health settings with regard to instruments for measuring, improving and treating mental health. This project is an example of building bridges between members and groups of Indigenous communities, academics and institutions.