Nikki Rose Hunter-Porter Secwepémc First Nations from St’uxwstews
RN, MN
Canada
The People’s Pathway: Upholding First Nations Mental Wellness Walking Alongside Skú7pecen (Porcupine)
Hunter-Porter, N.R., Meste'si Llucmetkwe (Seymour, C.), Dickey, K., & Bourque Bearskin, L.
15-minute oral presentation
Wednesday 11 December, 3:10pm
Purpose: Responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action (2015) and the In Plain Sight report (2021), this research aimed to identify the systemic factors influencing mental health and wellness care with St’uxwstews te Secwépemc, a rural community in British Columbia, Canada.
Methods: Grounded in Indigenous Research Methodologies, this study used a Secwépemc approach, upholding Secwépemc laws, values, and beliefs. Drawing from oral traditions, it embedded Skú7pecen re Stseptékwlls (The Story of Porcupine) into the research, weaving storywork throughout.
Results: Four key themes emerged: strengths of community, living through colonization, truthtelling in mental health, and the People’s Pathway—a decolonizing framework rooted in First Nations self-determination. The Knowledges shared highlighted the strength of the St’uxwstews Peoples, deeply rooted in their land, culture, and language. Truth-telling among St’uxwstews community members and mental health professionals facilitated a transformative shift away from shame and fear, fostering courage and connection.
Conclusions: From a human-rights and strength-based perspective, this research amplified the voices of the St’uxwstews Peoples, countering the impact of colonization on mental health systems. It emphasized the need to address Indigenous-specific racism and advance culturally safe and trauma-informed care in rural First Nations communities, filling a critical research gap.