Mental health report takes comprehensive look at Aboriginal needs

When Premier Rachel Notley and Health Minister Sarah Hoffman receive the final report from the Mental Health Review Committee on Dec. 23 it will include a comprehensive look at Aboriginal mental health needs.

“The review was called by the provincial government so obviously that is the source of it, but it also includes recommendations to the federal government. So they are included in the process,” said Tyler White, CEO of Siksika Health Services and the only non-elected member on the committee. White was appointed by Hoffman after an interview process that included both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, who were doing innovative work in the healthcare field.

Including the federal government in a report that has been mandated by the province, says White, underscores one of the greatest barriers Aboriginal people face in getting treatment: jurisdiction. While health care on the reserve falls under the umbrella of the federal government, not all services are available, and sometimes what services are available on reserve do not provide adequate quality of care. Non-insured health benefits, provided through Health Canada, is too restrictive. Funding, access to services and system barriers are all part of the jurisdictional issue.

“You have to look at the systems. First Nations get caught in those jurisdictional systems. As soon as you go off-reserve, there’s where the province plays a role,” said White.

Culturally appropriate and culturally sensitive services are also another issue.

“Stigma and racism do exist among the system and among the healthcare professionals. That’s a common concern we’ve heard,” said White. It’s also a reason many Aboriginal people choose not to seek early treatment.

The committee had consultations with all three treaty areas, Metis and urban Aboriginals, along with other Albertans and healthcare providers totalling approximately 400 stakeholders. A public online questionnaire received over 2,800 responses.

“We’re taking a very comprehensive approach and we’re going to have some very solid recommendations to take to the minister. It will be up to the minister to implement those recommendations,” said White, who applauds both the minister and the NDP government for being willing to examine the mental health services in the province.

“We have a government that’s listening. I think we have to put the heat on the government to follow through on their actions, on the recommendations. That’s going to be all of our job to do that,” he said.

The report and recommendations are to be shared publicly after they have been reviewed by the provincial government.