Strengthening Social Ties: Overcoming Isolation in Indigenous Communities

3 mn read

Summary of Issue

• Generational Trauma: Long-lasting effects of colonization and residential schools impact social connections and lead to social isolation, and feelings of disconnection and loneliness.
• Systemic Discrimination: Ongoing discrimination and marginalization hinder social integration and reduce feelings of inclusion, connection, belonging and community.
• Geographic Isolation: Many Indigenous communities are in remote areas, limiting access to social and health services.

Introduction

Indigenous communities in Canada face unique challenges that significantly impact their social connections. Generational trauma, systemic discrimination, and geographic isolation create barriers to maintaining meaningful relationships and community cohesion. Understanding these issues and finding ways to address them is crucial for fostering social well-being and resilience in Indigenous populations.

Why the Barrier Exists

Several factors contribute to the social disconnection experienced by Indigenous communities:

• Generational Trauma: The legacy of colonization, including residential schools, has caused intergenerational trauma that disrupts social cohesion among families and wider communities.
• Systemic Discrimination: Indigenous people face discrimination in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and employment, which can lead to social exclusion.
• Geographic Isolation: Many Indigenous communities are located in remote areas, limiting access to social services, healthcare, and opportunities for social interaction.
• Cultural Disruption: Assimilation policies and loss of traditional lands have disrupted Indigenous cultures and community structures.

Stat from the 2023 Canadian Social Connection Survey: According to the survey, 47.1% of Indigenous Canadians reported feeling lonely. Additionally, the CSCS suggests that 6% of people in the Indigenous community are chronically lonely. 

Recommended Solutions

To reduce the negative impact of these barriers on social connections and social health, consider these strategies:

• Cultural Revitalization: Involve yourself in initiatives that promote the revitalization of Indigenous languages, traditions, and practices.
• Community Programs: Seek out programs that exist to foster social interaction and support for indigenous people, such as Friendship Centres, or other local organizations..
• Advocate for Yourself: Educate people in your life about indigenous culture and the challenges indigenous people face, and encourage allies to actively support and stand up against discrimination, helping to create a more inclusive environment.
• Seek Professional Support: Indigenous community organizations can direct you to mental health resources tailored to the needs of indigenous peoples.

By supporting cultural revitalization, accessing tailored health services, and participating in community programs, indigenous individuals can reduce the negative impacts of colonization and discrimination on their social lives and foster stronger, more meaningful connections.

Expert Insight

The Thunderbird Partnership Foundation’s “First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework” recognizes that “a positive and balanced state of well-being cannot be achieved unless individuals, families, and communities are supported to openly express their own unique cultural identity” (Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, 2015, p.33). This framework for improving indigenous health services reflects the beliefs and values of First Nations communities, placing great importance on the value of social connections. 

Community Resources/Solutions

To help manage the impact of these barriers, various organizations and groups provide support and opportunities for social connection and improved social health within Indigenous communities:

• National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
• • • Description: Supports urban Indigenous people through a network of Friendship Centres across Canada.
    • How it Helps: Provides social, cultural, and community services to enhance the well-being of Indigenous individuals.
    • Contact Information: Email: nafcgen@nafc.ca
• GenWell
• • • Description: Is Canada’s Human Connection Movement and is working to educate, empower and catalyze Canadians around the importance of their social health. 
    • How it Helps: They provide tips, tools, resources and campaigns that can inspire social connection for all Canadians 
    • Contact Information: Visit website at www.GenWell.ca for more information. 
• Indspire
• • • Description: An Indigenous-led charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for their long-term benefit.
    • How it Helps: Offers scholarships, mentorship, and educational programs to support Indigenous youth.
    • Contact Information: Phone: 1-855-463-7747
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK)
• • • Description: Represents Inuit across Canada, advocating for their rights and interests.
    • How it Helps: Provides resources, programs, and advocacy to support Inuit communities and enhance social connections.
    • Contact Information: Email: info@itk.ca
• Assembly of First Nations (AFN)
• • • Description: Advocates for First Nations rights and promotes the well-being of First Nations communities.
    • How it Helps: Offers support, resources, and advocacy to address the unique challenges faced by First Nations people.
    • Contact Information: Phone: 613-241-6789
• Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
• • Description: Non-profit organization working to create a holistic approach to healing and wellness for First Nations peoples in Canada.

• • How it Helps: Providing wellness supports for individuals, and research, advocacy, and training for organizations to support indigenous wellness.

• • Contact Information: 

• • Phone: 5196929922

• • Email: info@thunderbirdpf.org
• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
• • • Description: Provides health services and programs tailored to First Nations communities in British Columbia.
    • How it Helps: Offers culturally appropriate health services, mental health support, and community health initiatives.
• Contact Information: Phone: 1-844-364-7878

Further Reading

• First Peoples Child & Family Review: Research and articles on Indigenous child and family well-being.
  • The Witcihitisotan (mutual support) Committee by and for the Families of Indigenous Adolescents in the City
• First Nations Child and Family Caring Society: The Caring Society works to ensure the safety and well-being of First Nations youth and their families through education initiatives, public policy campaigns and providing quality resources to support communities.
• An Indigenous perspective on loneliness and social isolation provided in new film
• Social isolation of seniors: A Focus on Indigenous Seniors in Canada; from Employment and Social Development Canada
• “How Embracing Your Cultural Identity Can Help Your Mental Health”; published in VeryWell Mind.