About the speaker: Dr. Allison Reeves is a Registered Clinical and Forensic Psychologist in Ontario and the Chair of the Standing Committee on Truth and Reconciliation with the Canadian Psychological Association. She has worked with Healing Our Nations (Halifax), Communities, Alliances and Networks (formerly Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network), PEERS (Victoria), Shining Mountains (Red Deer), and as a cultural safety trainer, consultant, and psychologist at Anishnawbe Health Toronto.
Description: Shining Mountains Living Community Services in Red Deer, Alberta, provides a range of social services for Indigenous Peoples in the area, particularly Métis youth, who are struggling with sexual health vulnerabilities. Under the direction of a Métis Wellness Advisory Council at Shining Mountains, this study sought to understand how stigma and discrimination affect sexually diverse and gender diverse Métis youth. Grounded in qualitative interviews and innovative arts-based Métis methods (sash making, photovoice, sharing circles, visual arts), this study looked at experiences of stigma, resilience, and healing for Key Informants (sexual or gender diverse Métis youth) and Métis allies. This paper details findings from eight Key Informant interviews and discusses major themes related to Layers of Stigma, Métis Identity and Teachings, and Resilience and Healing. Conclusions offer directions for mental health service development and community healing.
By attending this workshop you will:
- Learn about integrating Métis traditional healing with Western approaches to health care in a “two-eyed seeing” model.
- Reflect on the importance of enhancing Indigenous community research capacity, as a pathway toward promoting equity practices in psychological research.
- Consider the unique mental health needs and constraints for Métis Peoples, who are distinct from other Indigenous Peoples
- Consider and address the concept of “double stigma”, and how it impacts gender and sexually diverse Métis youth
