THRIVANCE DURING THE PANDEMIC: URBAN INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND MENTAL WELLNESS
Date
2023-07-20
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Prior to colonization, Indigenous people were healthy and thriving. As a result of colonization and its ongoing ramifications, Indigenous peoples’ health has deteriorated over the last 600 years, spanning multiple generations. Despite the troubling statistics, Indigenous people are thriving. This project sought to highlight Indigenous women’s stories of thrivance during the pandemic and through events of historical loss and asked the question, how are Indigenous women coping and thriving with mental wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic? Using a survey methodology and the Indigenist Stress Coping Model (ISCM), the following findings emerged: (a) Indigenous women thrive in the company of Indigenous women, (b) Indigenous women thriving involves healing and (re)connection, (c) Land has helped women cope and thrive during the pandemic, and (d) Availability of access to services, the healing relationship with a health care provider, and culturally appropriate care both facilitators and barriers to one’s ability and desire to access mental health services.
Description
Keywords
thrivance, Indigenous health
Citation
Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
Indigenous Studies
Program
Indigenous Studies