Being Young and Indigenous in the B.C. Mental Health Care System
Intergenerational Trauma and Addiction
When you walk down the local reserves in B.C., you are met with the sight of broken, run-down homes where Indigenous families reside. To me, the condition of these homes – the damaged paint, the weak beams – echoes the internal dialogue of the Indigenous population.
Due to systemic racism and intergenerational trauma, we are more often than not referred to as a mirage of “brokenness.” How the government may refer to us, though, perhaps “helpless” or a “lost cause” is more fitting. While the kids we were once in first grade with are now a representation of a racial vendetta, the government is continuing to associate prejudice based on the colour of their skin.
I am an Indigenous woman myself, from the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation in Dawson, Yukon Territory. For years, I struggled with mental health and addiction, particularly in the context of dealing with the repercussions of intergenerational trauma. The recollection of racial genocide in my childhood – intergenerational trauma – is what first introduced me to alcohol and drugs as a maladaptive coping skill. It was an effort to cope with what the government was failing to recognize and acknowledge as a systemic injustice.
The Indigenous population is the racial group that faces the most economic and educational barriers in Canada, but it is important to note that this is due to systemic and prejudice-like issues. Due to racial genocide, so many Indigenous families and communities are left broken. Our systemic injustices are often left disregarded by the government. As a result of repeated systemic failures, Indigenous peoples are more vulnerable to maladaptive coping skills, such as substance use.
I had the privilege of receiving help for my mental health and substance use concerns. Even though it took months of being on waitlists, it was still a privilege to have gone through treatment, because so many Indigenous youth do not have this available to them. I will not lie — the cost for psychotherapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) was insanely expensive, and I am thankful to have parents who were able to fund for my treatment costs.
Even though there is Jordan’s Principle that allocates funding for Indigenous children and the cost of services and supports, it is still a process. In the application for Jordans Principle, you may need to provide professional documentation of a certain diagnosis or treatment recommendation. For many Indigenous children, access to a healthcare provider is, again, a privilege.
Recommendations for Making Mental Health and Substance Use Support Accessible
The mental health and substance use epidemic in British Columbia calls for more support, funding and awareness for all children and young people. Funding is especially needed for marginalized groups and those of discriminated racial groups.
Due to how expensive mental health and/or substance use services are, Indigenous peoples are often referred to government-funded services, however the waitlists associated with accessing these services are considerably long.
At a time where we urge for these services the most, we are met with silence in response. In terms of what can be improved, I think that more funding for mental health and/or substance use services will go a long way.
Additionally, more training and awareness on the Indigenous population and the colonial history of Canada will help eliminate any ethnocentrism and racial prejudice in healthcare environments. The prejudice in the healthcare system leaves many Indigenous peoples hesitant to access services, due to the systemic racism.
In the meantime, we can keep listening to Indigenous peoples and hear what they have to say. We will continue to educate ourselves and pay attention to the long-term repercussions of colonialism. The only way to reconcile with Indigenous peoples is to listen to the truth and educate yourself.
