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      Narrative description of Miyo-Mahcihoyan(Well-Being) from a contemporary Nehiyawak (Plains Cree) perspective

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      Date
      2011-07-26
      Author
      Graham-Marrs, Holly
      Type
      Thesis
      Degree Level
      Doctoral
      Metadata
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      Abstract
      There are unequivocal health disparities, both physical and mental, between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of Canada. Utilizing narrative inquiry, a qualitative methodology, 15 néhiyawak (Plains Cree people) between 18 and 71 years of age from Thunderchild First Nation were interviewed to explore what improved their mental health and well-being and what they needed to attain optimal mental health and well-being. The néhiyawak interviewed for this study responded with descriptions of strength and resilience. By posing questions that focused on the positive, the strengths, and resilience of the néhiyawak in this study came to the forefront. Narrative thematic analysis of the interviews conducted with the néhiyawak from Thunderchild First Nation consistently revealed four overarching themes that highlighted what positively impacted their mental health and well-being and their perceived needs to attain optimal mental health and well-being: relationships; spiritual beliefs and cultural practices; tānisīsi wāpahtaman pimātisiwin (worldview); and ēkwa ōhi kikwaya piko ka-ispayiki kīspin ka-nohtē-miyo-mahcihoyān (these are the things that need to happen if I want to be healthy). The néhiyawak in this study described holistic health determinants that could best be associated with the medicine wheel and the determinants of health as making a positive difference to their mental health and as necessary for them to obtain optimal mental health and well-being. These results suggest that mental health programming and intervention should be harmonious with Indigenous culture; utilize a holistic approach that takes physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being into consideration; and address the existing mental health disparities using the determinants of health as a framework, with an increased focus on the current socio-economic status of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
      Degree
      Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
      Department
      Educational Psychology and Special Education
      Program
      Educational Psychology and Special Education
      Supervisor
      Martin, Stephanie
      Committee
      Leeseberg Stamler, Lynnette; Noonan, Brian; Kovach, Margaret; Hart, Michael
      Copyright Date
      July 2011
      URI
      http://hdl.handle.net/10388/etd-07222011-110601
      Subject
      medicine wheel
      narrative descriptions of mental health
      determinants of health
      mental health
      Indigenous
      Aboriginal mental health
      Aboriginal holistic well-being
      First Nation health
      Collections
      • Graduate Theses and Dissertations

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