Indigenous Grassroots and Family-Run Land-Based Healing in Northern Ontario

Abstract

There is a lack of research on Indigenous family-run land-based programs, despite their wide distribution across Canada and their culturally rooted orientation to addressing mental health issues among youth, who are at elevated risk of suicide and substance abuse. This study employs a qualitative ideographic approach, consonant with Indigenous research methodology, to interview and analyze the report of one program in Mushkegowuk Territory, in northern Ontario. The participant was invited to an interview during which he was asked open-ended questions regarding his outdoor program. Responses were transcribed and subjected to qualitative analysis. Initial results were then shared with the participant, who was encouraged to edit or expand the interpretations until he was satisfied with the outcome. Results indicated that this grassroots land-based program arose out of one individual’s perceived need within his community. The participant articulated his experience with traditional values, outdoor skills, spirituality, and sharing stories to facilitate healing from trauma and substance abuse. Nevertheless, he expressed that offering this service is challenging, primarily because of funding concerns; however, political and religious issues have also presented hurdles. In the view of this participant, knowledge transfer requires future leaders to participate in land-based programming numerous times until they can practice what they have learned. A discussion considering the implications of these results follows.