Navigating Paths to Wellness: A Strengths-Based Photovoice Study Conducted with One First Nation in Southern Ontario, Canada

Bryan Tanner (), Ningwakwe George, Laura Jane Brubacher, Melody E. Morton Ninomiya, Laura Peach, Sharon Bernards, Renee Linklater, Julie George and Samantha Wells
Additional contact information
Bryan Tanner: Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Collip Circle Suite 200, London, ON N6G 4X8, Canada
Ningwakwe George: Saugeen District Senior School, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C4, Canada
Laura Jane Brubacher: Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Collip Circle Suite 200, London, ON N6G 4X8, Canada
Melody E. Morton Ninomiya: Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Collip Circle Suite 200, London, ON N6G 4X8, Canada
Laura Peach: School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Sharon Bernards: Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Collip Circle Suite 200, London, ON N6G 4X8, Canada
Renee Linklater: Shkaabe Makwa, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
Julie George: Mental Health, Addiction and Violence Support Program, Kettle & Stony Point Health Services, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, Lambton Shores, ON N0N 1J1, Canada
Samantha Wells: Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Collip Circle Suite 200, London, ON N6G 4X8, Canada

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: Research on substance use challenges in First Nations communities is often deficit-focused and can reinforce paternalistic stereotypes that lead to further discrimination. In this article, we report on findings of a strengths-based Photovoice project done in collaboration with a First Nations’ community in southern Ontario, Canada to better understand experiences with substance use challenges in the community. We analyzed interview data collected with seventeen individuals who have lived experience or are supporting a loved one with lived experience with a substance use challenge. Participants described sources of strength that characterized their path to wellness, including strong family and social connections, cultural practices, identity, spirituality, day-to-day activities, and helpful supports and services. Furthermore, participants made several suggestions for improving services, including the need for integrated and flexible systems of care and trustful client-provider relationships. At its core, nurturing wellness involved a transformative process involving social and/or cultural connections. The stories shared by participants demonstrate the unique and varied strengths drawn from by individuals dealing with a substance use challenge.

Keywords: Photovoice; First Nations; colonialism; family; culture; well-being; substance use (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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